Restlessness or agitation after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,089 reports of restlessness or agitation in dogs after Carprofen. That is 2.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.6% across reports for all dog medicines.

1,089Reports
19%Marked serious
11%Recovered
19%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
96 26%
1–2 days
91 25%
3–7 days
37 10%
1–4 weeks
49 13%
Over a month
91 25%

How the animals did

Recovered
121 11%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 0.4%
Still unwell when reported
135 12%
Died
160 15%
Euthanised
47 4.3%
Not known
622 57%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
62
1–3 years
100
4–7 years
191
8–11 years
334
12+ years
377

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 restlessness or agitation in dogs?
1,089 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 2 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).

Restlessness or agitation with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with restlessness or agitation