Carprofen

Carprofen is tolerated well in the vast majority of dogs, and the risk for side effects occurring appears to be less than 1%. But rarely, serious side effects (stomach ulcers, liver, or kidney problems) and sometimes death have been reported.

Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem:

• Decrease or increase in appetite (eating less or more than normal), vomiting, changes in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools).
• Changes in behavior or activity levels (more or less active than normal), incoordination/weakness (eg, stumbling, clumsiness), seizure (convulsions) or aggression (threatening behavior/actions).
• Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice).
• Changes in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed) or urination habits (frequency, color, or smell).
• Changes in skin (redness, scabs, or itchiness).

If you see any of these signs, stop giving the drug and contact your veterinarian immediately.

No known drug interactions have been reported.

This class of drug may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic toxicity. When nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit prostaglandins that cause inflammation they may also inhibit those prostaglandins which maintain normal homeostatic function. This may result in clinically significant disease in pets with the underlying or pre-existing disease more often than in healthy pets. The use of parenteral fluids during surgery should be considered to reduce the potential risk of renal complications when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perioperatively.

What is Carprofen?

Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication that helps relieve the pain and inflammation that occurs with arthritis in dogs. It also helps bring relief from other joint problems and can help your pet to feel better after surgery. Carprofen is the generic alternative to Rimadyl, Novox, and Vetprofen.

How is this medication given?

Carprofen can be given once a day or it can be split into twice daily dosing. Your veterinarian will determine the dosage of medication and the frequency at which it should be given. Give this medication by mouth (orally). Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea may be minimized if Carprofen is given with food. Carprofen should be given at the lowest dose necessary to help your dog to feel better. You should never administer Carprofen to a pet other than the one for which it has been prescribed for.

How does it work?

Chemicals in the body called prostaglandins are reduced with Carprofen. Since prostaglandins trigger inflammation, minimizing them helps decrease inflammation and pain that occurs as a result of arthritis, surgery, and other joint conditions.

What results can I expect?

Symptoms of arthritis include stiffness, trouble walking, and difficulty rising. These symptoms can be relieved with Carprofen although this medication will not cure arthritis since there is no known cure for this chronic condition. Your dog should start to feel better although results vary in each individual. If you discontinue Carprofen you may notice your dogs symptoms returning.

Recommended Dosage

Give this medication by mouth according to your veterinarian's instructions. It can be given one or two times a day but your veterinarian will be able to determine the dose and frequency best suitable for your dog.

Storage Instructions

Store at controlled room temperatures between 68° - 77°F.