Polycythaemia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs
The FDA has received 231 reports of polycythaemia in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.
231Reports
7.4%Marked serious
2.2%Recovered
34%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started
How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
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 polycythaemia in dogs?
- 231 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 3 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).
Polycythaemia with similar medicines
- Polycythaemia after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 167 reports · 1.5% of its reports
- Polycythaemia after Meloxicam (Metacam) 34 reports · 0.4% of its reports
- Polycythaemia after Firocoxib (Previcox) 39 reports · 0.5% of its reports
All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with polycythaemia