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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell, Fear Free,

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Medication: Carprofen

Medication: Carprofen

Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient carprofen for pain control and to reduce inflammation.

Key points:
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
• Do not use in pregnant dogs or puppies under 6 weeks old.
• Dosage: once daily.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and storage

Name
  • Carprofen.
Brand name
  • Rimadyl® (Europe & UK, USA).
  • Carprodyl® (Europe & UK).
  • Carprox® (UK).
  • Rycarfa® (UK).
  • Vetprofen® (USA).
  • Carprieve® (USA).
  • Novox® (USA).
  • Quellin® (USA).
Class of drug
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).
Storage
  • Store in dry place, away from light.
  • Store tablets at room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
  • Store injectable under refrigeration 2°-8°C (36°-46°F). SC use only approved in US.

Why has my dog been prescribed carprofen?

Your veterinarian has prescribed carprofen for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis or for the control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs.

How is the medication given?

Carprofen is given orally as tablets with food. It can also be given as an injection (IV, SC) following surgery or at the start of a course of tablets. Some brands are chewable and meat flavored for easy dosing.

Cats also find some tablet preparations very palatable so keep out of the reach of cats.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

The following side-effects have been reported, generally in the first few weeks of treatment and most cases are transient:

  • Vomiting
  • Soft feces/diarrhea
  • Fecal occult blood
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy.

Carprofen should not be given to dogs with cardiac, hepatic or renal impairment, or where blood dyscrasias exist. It may also impair healing of any gastric ulcers.

Owners should discontinue carprofen therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed.

The concurrent use of NSAIDs with glucocorticoids or other potentially nephrotoxic agents, eg aminoglycosides should be avoided. Do not give concurrently with other NSAIDs.

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

For the control of pain after surgery, carprofen may be given for 2-3 days. If prescribed for musculoskeletal pain, carprofen may be prescribed for long-term use but regular monitoring will be required.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused carprofen safely – don’t flush away down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save carprofen for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice. If your dog stops eating or drinking with the potential to become dehydrated, carprofen should be stopped.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Carprofen should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to cats or other pets in the household
  • Do not use in dogs under 6 weeks of age
  • Do not use where gastrointestinal bleeding already exists
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my dog need to be monitored while on carprofen?

Laboratory testing to establish hematological and serum baseline data is recommended prior to and periodically during medium to long term administration carprofen.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on carprofen can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

USA

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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