Weight gain after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 144 reports of weight gain in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

144Reports
38%Marked serious
5.6%Recovered
24%Died or euthanised
27 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
9 13%
1–2 days
6 8.6%
3–7 days
9 13%
1–4 weeks
12 17%
Over a month
34 49%

How the animals did

Recovered
4 2.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 2.8%
Still unwell when reported
32 22%
Died
21 15%
Euthanised
13 9.0%
Not known
70 49%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
2
1–3 years
17
4–7 years
52
8–11 years
49
12+ years
19

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 weight gain in dogs?
144 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 27 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).

Weight gain with similar medicines

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