Vomiting blood after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 130 reports of vomiting blood in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

130Reports
58%Marked serious
20%Recovered
25%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
24 21%
1–2 days
36 31%
3–7 days
25 21%
1–4 weeks
17 15%
Over a month
15 13%

How the animals did

Recovered
25 19%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.8%
Still unwell when reported
52 40%
Died
14 11%
Euthanised
18 14%
Not known
20 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
13
1–3 years
23
4–7 years
35
8–11 years
38
12+ years
18

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 vomiting blood in dogs?
130 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).

Vomiting blood with similar medicines

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