Pancreatitis after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

426 reports to the FDA describe pancreatitis in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.9% 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.

426Reports
31%Marked serious
7.5%Recovered
37%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
19 12%
1–2 days
31 19%
3–7 days
40 25%
1–4 weeks
34 21%
Over a month
37 23%

How the animals did

Recovered
30 7.0%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
78 18%
Died
105 25%
Euthanised
51 12%
Not known
160 38%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
28
4–7 years
91
8–11 years
168
12+ years
120

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 pancreatitis in dogs?
426 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 5 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).

Pancreatitis with similar medicines

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