Polycythemia, relative after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 63 reports of polycythemia, relative in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

63Reports

1.6%Marked serious

0.0%Recovered

32%Died or euthanised

–Typical onset

How the animals did

Still unwell when reported

2 3.2%

Died

19 30%

Euthanised

1 1.6%

Not known

41 65%

Problems reported at the same time

49 78%

42 67%

33 52%

29 46%

26 41%

23 37%

22 35%

20 32%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 polycythemia, relative in dogs?: 63 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.
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).

Polycythemia, relative with similar medicines

Polycythemia, relative after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 53 reports · 0.5% of its reports
Polycythemia, relative after Firocoxib (Previcox) 20 reports · 0.2% of its reports

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with polycythemia, relative