Weight loss after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 2,656 reports of weight loss in dogs after Carprofen. That is 5.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

2,656Reports
26%Marked serious
4.6%Recovered
28%Died or euthanised
13 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
82 9.2%
1–2 days
102 11%
3–7 days
177 20%
1–4 weeks
292 33%
Over a month
235 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
103 3.9%
Recovered with lasting effects
19 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
519 20%
Died
558 21%
Euthanised
191 7.2%
Not known
1,266 48%

Problems reported at the same time

1,384 52%
1,022 38%
752 28%
617 23%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
74
1–3 years
215
4–7 years
701
8–11 years
1,014
12+ years
628

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 loss in dogs?
2,656 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 13 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 loss with similar medicines

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