Pain after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

802 reports to the FDA describe pain in dogs given Carprofen. That is 1.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

802Reports
44%Marked serious
8.5%Recovered
34%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
91 23%
1–2 days
71 18%
3–7 days
62 15%
1–4 weeks
76 19%
Over a month
104 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
64 8.0%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
229 29%
Died
173 22%
Euthanised
97 12%
Not known
235 29%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
54
1–3 years
88
4–7 years
190
8–11 years
289
12+ years
164

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 pain in dogs?
802 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 6 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).

Pain with similar medicines

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