Brand Name(s): Truprofen, Rimadyl, Vetprofen, Novox
Generic Name: Carprofen
For: Dogs (over 6 weeks of age)
What is Carprofen?
Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation due to arthritis and other joint diseases, including hip dysplasia. It’s also used to reduce fever and to help control postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgery in dogs.
Benefits:
- Can be given as a single daily dose
- Effective
- Easy to administer
- Can be compounded into easy-to-give dosage forms
- Usually well tolerated
- *This item can be purchased as the brand or as the compounded generic form.*
Cautions:
Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or over-the-counter medications to your pet. Carprofen should not be given to pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs used for breeding. Carprofen should not be given to humans or cats. Seek medical assistance if cats or humans accidentally take Carprofen. Your dog should not be given Carprofen if he/she has had an allergic reaction to carprofen. Do not give your dog Carprofen if he/she has had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example deracoxib, etodolac, firocoxib, meloxicam, phenylbutazone or tepoxalin) such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin.
What is the most important information I should know about Carprofen?
Carprofen is a prescription medication that is FDA approved for use in dogs. The usual total daily dose in dogs is 2 mg per pound given as a single daily dose or divided and administered as 1 mg per pound twice a day. Contact the veterinarian if your pet has bloody, black or tarry stools as these symptoms could indicate damage to the stomach or intestines, which could be dangerous. As with all prescribed medicines, Carprofen should only be given to the dog for which it was prescribed. It should be given to your dog only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your dog’s response to Carprofen at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving Carprofen. Before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medications, check with your veterinarian or pharmacist.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Carprofen to my pet?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given any other medications, including those you can get over the counter. Also, tell your veterinarian if your dog has any other medical problems or allergies. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any new prescription or over the counter medicines. Tell your veterinarian if your dog has ever experienced side effects from Carprofen or other NSAIDs such as aspirin, had digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea), liver disease, kidney disease, or a bleeding disorder (for example, Von Willebrand’s disease).
How should Carprofen be given?
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Carprofen should be given with food. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not give Carprofen to cats. If your dog ingests more than your veterinarian prescribed, or if your other pets accidentally take Carprofen, contact your veterinarian right away.
What are the possible side effects of Carprofen?
Adverse reactions may include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, increased urination, pale gums due to anemia, yellowing of gums, skin or white of the eye due to jaundice, lethargy, incoordination, seizure, or behavioral changes. Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug class can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death. Pet parents should be advised to discontinue Carprofen therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed. The vast majority of patients with drug-related adverse reactions have recovered when the signs are recognized, the drug is withdrawn, and veterinary care, if appropriate, is initiated. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your dog.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of Carprofen ?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What should I avoid while giving Carprofen to my pet?
Many over the counter cough, cold, allergy and pain medicines contain aspirin or other NSAIDs similar to Carprofen. Before giving any prescription or over the counter medications talk to the veterinarian or pharmacist.
What other drugs will affect Carprofen?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given aspirin; another NSAID such as etodolac, piroxicam; an over the counter cough, cold, allergy or pain medication; warfarin; furosemide; a steroid such as prednisone, insulin; or probenecid. Carprofen should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, deracoxib, etodolac, firocoxib, meloxicam, tepoxalin) or steroids (for example, cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, triamcinolone). Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Carprofen. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medicines.
