Pr-liver, lesion(s) after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,261 reports of pr-liver, lesion(s) in dogs after Carprofen. That is 2.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,261Reports
3.8%Marked serious
0.2%Recovered
66%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
5 8.1%
1–2 days
12 19%
3–7 days
19 31%
1–4 weeks
9 15%
Over a month
17 27%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 0.2%
Still unwell when reported
11 0.9%
Died
795 63%
Euthanised
35 2.8%
Not known
418 33%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
23
1–3 years
76
4–7 years
359
8–11 years
530
12+ years
261

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 pr-liver, lesion(s) in dogs?
1,261 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 7 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).

Pr-liver, lesion(s) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with pr-liver, lesion(s)