Systemic disorder after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

248 reports to the FDA describe systemic disorder in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

248Reports
28%Marked serious
8.9%Recovered
37%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
32 29%
1–2 days
20 18%
3–7 days
23 21%
1–4 weeks
19 17%
Over a month
15 14%

How the animals did

Recovered
22 8.9%
Still unwell when reported
36 15%
Died
69 28%
Euthanised
22 8.9%
Not known
99 40%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
8
1–3 years
21
4–7 years
55
8–11 years
82
12+ years
61

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 systemic disorder in dogs?
248 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 3 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).

Systemic disorder with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with systemic disorder