Medication error after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

300 reports to the FDA describe medication error in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.6% across reports for all dog medicines.

300Reports
76%Marked serious
14%Recovered
21%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
63 26%
1–2 days
30 12%
3–7 days
24 9.9%
1–4 weeks
38 16%
Over a month
88 36%

How the animals did

Recovered
40 13%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
154 51%
Died
16 5.3%
Euthanised
48 16%
Not known
41 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
23
4–7 years
57
8–11 years
103
12+ years
102

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 medication error in dogs?
300 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 8 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).

Medication error with similar medicines

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