Overdose after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 443 reports of overdose in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.3% across reports for all dog medicines.

443Reports
45%Marked serious
16%Recovered
12%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
130 42%
1–2 days
62 20%
3–7 days
40 13%
1–4 weeks
36 12%
Over a month
44 14%

How the animals did

Recovered
71 16%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.2%
Still unwell when reported
231 52%
Died
17 3.8%
Euthanised
36 8.1%
Not known
87 20%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
27
1–3 years
70
4–7 years
103
8–11 years
121
12+ years
105

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 overdose in dogs?
443 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 1 day 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).

Overdose with similar medicines

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