Grapiprant
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Grapiprant 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 medical guidance from your veterinary care team. Last updated in Apr 2025.
Description
- This medicine is a type of pain-and-swelling reliever called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (a common kind of anti-inflammatory pain medicine).
- It works in a somewhat different way compared with other NSAIDs.
- It comes as chewable tablets with flavoring.
Other common names
Galliprant
Uses
Uses approved for animals: Grapiprant for pets
- Used to help with pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis in dogs.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use this medicine in other animal types or for other purposes. This is called extra-label use (use that is different from the listed use).
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your dog is currently getting.
- Any health problems your dog has now, or has had before.
- Any bad reactions your dog has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your dog is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Cats.
- Dogs that have an allergy to this medicine.
- Dogs under 8 pounds.
- Dogs that are already taking other anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), aspirin, or steroid medicines.
- Dogs that have blood in their stool or in vomit.
- Dogs with kidney or liver problems.
- Dogs that are dehydrated or are taking a water-pill medicine (a diuretic) such as furosemide.
- Dogs that are not eating normally.
Use with caution in dogs that:
- Have an allergy to sulfonamide medicines (for example, sulfamethoxazole or sulfadiazine).
- Have had serious side effects from other NSAIDs.
- Have had stomach or intestinal ulcers before.
- Are younger than 9 months.
- Have heart disease.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is on this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Follow the directions printed on the prescription label every time.
This medicine works best when the stomach is empty. If your pet gets an upset stomach, you can give it with a small amount of food. A full meal may make it work less well.
Make sure your animal can drink plenty of fresh water while taking this medicine.
Do not give this medicine together with any other prescription or non-prescription anti-inflammatory medicines.
Side effects
Common — call your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Eating less than usual.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Stool that is black, tar-like, or has blood.
- Vomit with blood (it may look bright red or may look like coffee grounds).
- Low energy.
- Changes in how much your animal drinks or urinates.
- Pale gums.
- Trouble with coordination or seizures.
- Changes in behavior, such as seeming depressed or unusually restless.
- Yellow color of the skin, gums, or the whites of the eyes.
How will I know it's working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 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 may continue for several days after the final dose.
The effects may last longer if your animal’s kidney or liver function is reduced.
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 a poison help service for animals right away (a consultation fee applies).
If you can, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the 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 regular time.
- Continue with the normal 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 this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
These chewable tablets are flavored to attract animals. It is important to store them securely and well out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
With long-term use, regular checkups and blood tests are needed to monitor your animal’s liver and kidney function. Do not skip these follow-up visits.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
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.”