Skin rash or irritation after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

1,191 reports to the FDA describe skin rash or irritation in dogs given Carprofen. That is 2.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,191Reports
22%Marked serious
6.6%Recovered
13%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
52 13%
1–2 days
63 15%
3–7 days
85 21%
1–4 weeks
90 22%
Over a month
117 29%

How the animals did

Recovered
70 5.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
9 0.8%
Still unwell when reported
292 25%
Died
123 10%
Euthanised
28 2.4%
Not known
669 56%

Problems reported at the same time

225 19%
191 16%
173 15%
148 12%
148 12%
148 12%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
62
1–3 years
123
4–7 years
260
8–11 years
449
12+ years
269

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 skin rash or irritation in dogs?
1,191 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 8 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).

Skin rash or irritation with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with skin rash or irritation