Carprofen
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Carprofen for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It is not a complete guide to this medicine. It also does not replace the medical guidance you receive from your veterinary care team.
- Carprofen is a type of pain and swelling medicine called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (a medicine used to reduce pain and inflammation).
- Giving the dose with a meal can reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- Make sure your animal can drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
- Do not use this medicine at the same time as any other prescription or non-prescription anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Often-seen side effects include throwing up, loose stools, or small changes in how much your animal wants to eat.
Description
- This medicine is an NSAID (a pain and inflammation reliever).
- It comes as flavored chewable tablets and as caplets.
Other common names
- Carprieve
- Norocarp
- Novox
- quellin
- Rimadyl
- Rovera
- Vetprofen
Uses of Carprofen for pets
Approved uses in animals:
- Used to reduce pain and inflammation in dogs related to osteoarthritis or after surgeries.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use this medicine in other animal types or for other purposes.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had from medicines in the past
- The risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Cats
- Animals that have an allergy to this medicine, to other NSAIDs, or to aspirin
- Animals that are taking other NSAIDs, aspirin, or steroid medicines
Use with caution in patients that:
- Are under 6 weeks of age
- Are older animals
- Have stomach or intestinal sores (ulcers), or have had them before
- Are currently throwing up or have diarrhea
- Are dehydrated or are taking water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide
- Have kidney, heart, or liver problems
- Have a blood-clotting problem (a bleeding disorder)
- Are pregnant, nursing, or intended for breeding
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal is in a competition, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
- You may give it with food or without food. Giving it with food is suggested to help avoid stomach upset.
- Make sure your animal always has plenty of clean drinking water. Keeping your animal well-hydrated may lower the chance of kidney problems.
- Do not give this medicine together with any other prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.
Give the medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
With long-term use, your animal will need regular checkups and blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function. Do not skip these follow-up appointments.
Side effects of Carprofen for pets
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Small changes in appetite
Severe – stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these signs:
- Major changes in appetite
- Black, tar-like stools, or stools with blood
- Changes in energy or behavior, trouble moving normally or weakness, seizures, or new aggression
- Changes in how much your animal drinks or urinates
- A change in the color or smell of urine
- Skin changes such as redness, scabs, or itching
- Yellow color of the gums, skin, or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
How will I know it's working?
Your dog may seem improved within 1 to 2 days, though some dogs may need a few days.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The effects can continue for a couple of days after the final dose.
- The effects may last longer if your animal’s liver or kidneys do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen, or you think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee applies):
If you can, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if a dose is missed:
- Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
- Continue with the usual schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
- The chewable, flavored versions are designed to taste good to animals. Because of this, it is important to store them securely and well out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
Disposal
Do not put this medicine into the toilet or pour it down a sink. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To locate a nearby site, contact your local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and throw it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”