Underdose after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 320 reports of underdose in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines.

320Reports
50%Marked serious
23%Recovered
13%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
64 27%
1–2 days
34 14%
3–7 days
23 9.8%
1–4 weeks
41 17%
Over a month
73 31%

How the animals did

Recovered
71 22%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 0.9%
Still unwell when reported
120 38%
Died
17 5.3%
Euthanised
23 7.2%
Not known
86 27%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
25
1–3 years
35
4–7 years
73
8–11 years
113
12+ years
73

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 underdose in dogs?
320 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).

Underdose with similar medicines

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