Musculoskeletal pain after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 203 reports of musculoskeletal pain in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

203Reports
29%Marked serious
4.9%Recovered
29%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
12 15%
1–2 days
12 15%
3–7 days
13 17%
1–4 weeks
16 21%
Over a month
25 32%

How the animals did

Recovered
8 3.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.0%
Still unwell when reported
51 25%
Died
40 20%
Euthanised
19 9.4%
Not known
83 41%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
24
1–3 years
19
4–7 years
50
8–11 years
63
12+ years
43

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 musculoskeletal pain in dogs?
203 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 10 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).

Musculoskeletal pain with similar medicines

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