Skin sore after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 87 reports of skin sore in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines.

87Reports
39%Marked serious
9.2%Recovered
16%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
6 13%
1–2 days
7 15%
3–7 days
12 26%
1–4 weeks
9 19%
Over a month
13 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
8 9.2%
Still unwell when reported
23 26%
Died
6 6.9%
Euthanised
8 9.2%
Not known
42 48%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite
20 23%
Liver problems
18 21%
Skin rash or irritation
17 20%
Lethargy
16 18%
Death
14 16%
Hair loss
12 14%
Vomiting
11 13%
Itching
10 11%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
0
1–3 years
8
4–7 years
19
8–11 years
34
12+ years
26

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 sore in dogs?
87 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).

Skin sore with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with skin sore