Malaise after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 280 reports of malaise in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

280Reports
38%Marked serious
9.3%Recovered
36%Died or euthanised
11 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
19 13%
1–2 days
21 15%
3–7 days
26 18%
1–4 weeks
36 25%
Over a month
40 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
25 8.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
66 24%
Died
70 25%
Euthanised
31 11%
Not known
87 31%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
10
1–3 years
23
4–7 years
74
8–11 years
93
12+ years
61

About this medicine

Carprofen relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis or after surgery.

Products with this ingredient include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Carprofen cause malaise in dogs?
280 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 11 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Malaise with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with malaise