Carprofen

Carprofen was used in humans for almost ten years, starting in 1988, for the same conditions as in dogs; namely, joint pain and inflammation. Side effects tended to be mild, usually consisting of nausea or gastrointestinal pain and diarrhoea. It was available by prescription in 150 mg to 600 mg doses.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Maximum_Residue_Limits_-_Report/2009/11/WC500011412.pdf|title=Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products: Carprofen|website=www.EMA.Europa.eu|publisher=European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products|date=2009|access-date=5 February 2022|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014257/http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Maximum_Residue_Limits_-_Report/2009/11/WC500011412.pdf|url-status=dead}} Dosages over 250 mg were reserved for pain caused by severe trauma, such as postoperative inflammation; 150 mg doses were commonly used to relieve arthritis pain, while 200 mg doses were commonly prescribed for severe arthritis or inflammatory pain. The drug was taken orally.

Pfizer voluntarily removed the medication from the market for human use on commercial grounds.

In November 2024, the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products of the European Medicines Agency adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorization for the veterinary medicinal product Carprofen Orion, Chewable tablet; Solution for injection, intended for Cat and Dog. The applicant for this veterinary medicinal product is Orion Corporation. Carprofen Orion is a generic of Rimadyl vet, which has been authorized in the EU since January 2003.{{cite web | title=Carprofen Orion EPAR | website=European Medicines Agency (EMA) | date=7 November 2024 | url=https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/veterinary/EPAR/carprofen-orion | access-date=10 November 2024}}

Carprofen is an NSAID approved for use in dogs.{{Cite web|title=Animal Drugs @ FDA - NSAID labels|url=https://AnimalDrugsAtFDA.FDA.gov/adafda/views/#/nsaidLabels|website=AnimalDrugsAtFDA.FDA.gov|publisher=US FDA|access-date=16 November 2021}} It aids in the relief of inflammation, pain, and fever. Carprofen can be administered in pill, chewable tablet, or injection form.{{Cite web| vauthors = Burke A |date=10 November 2016|title=Rimadyl for Dogs – uses, side effects & alternatives|url=https://www.AKC.org/expert-advice/health/rimadyl-for-dogs/|website=American Kennel Club|access-date=16 November 2021}}

Carprofen can be used for long-term pain management of conditions such as osteoarthritis, which is common in canine patients, and after injury or surgical procedures for relief of acute pain and inflammation.{{Cite web|title=Rimadyl|url=https://www.ZoetisPetCare.com/products/rimadyl|website=www.ZoetisPetCare.com|access-date=16 November 2021}} In dogs suffering from pain, carprofen has been shown to improve energy, activity level, comfort, and general well-being.

Most dogs respond well to carprofen use, but like all NSAIDs, it can cause gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney problems.{{cite journal | vauthors = Reimer ME, Johnston SA, Leib MS, Duncan RB, Reimer DC, Marini M, Gimbert K | title = The gastroduodenal effects of buffered aspirin, carprofen, and etodolac in healthy dogs | journal = Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine | volume = 13 | issue = 5 | pages = 472–477 | date = September 1999 | pmid = 10499732 | doi = 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1999.tb01465.x | doi-access = free }}

In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received more than six thousand anecdotal reports of sudden animal death after usage of Pfizer's Rimadyl brand of carprofen. In response, the FDA requested that Pfizer advise consumers in their advertising that death is a possible side effect;{{Cite web|url=https://www.FDA.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm129408.htm|title=Update on Rimadyl|website=www.FDA.gov|publisher=FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine|date=1 December 1999|access-date=16 December 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908220655/http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm129408.htm|archive-date=8 September 2014}} Pfizer refused and pulled their advertising, later including death as a possible side effect on the drug label.{{cite journal | vauthors = Luna SP, Basílio AC, Steagall PV, Machado LP, Moutinho FQ, Takahira RK, Brandão CV | title = Evaluation of adverse effects of long-term oral administration of carprofen, etodolac, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and meloxicam in dogs | journal = American Journal of Veterinary Research | volume = 68 | issue = 3 | pages = 258–264 | date = March 2007 | pmid = 17331014 | doi = 10.2460/ajvr.68.3.258 | doi-access = free }}

Adverse effects can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increase in thirst
• Increase in urination
• Fatigue and/or lethargy (drowsiness)
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Liver dysfunction: jaundice (yellowing of eyes)
• Blood or dark tarry material in urine or stools
• Lethargy
• Staggering, stumbling, weakness or partial paralysis, full paralysis{{Cite web|title=A review of signs of a potentially life-threatening reaction to Rimadyl|url=http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadyl.ade.steps.html|website=www.srdogs.com|access-date=20 May 2010}}
• Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching)
• Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, seizure or aggression){{Cite web|title=Dog owner information about Rimadyl (carprofen)|url=https://www.rimadyl.com/display.aspx?drug=RC&species=CN&sec=610|website=www.Rimadyl.com|publisher=Pfizer|access-date=20 May 2010|archive-date=15 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715184915/https://www.rimadyl.com/display.aspx?drug=RC&species=CN&sec=610|url-status=dead}}
• In rare situations, death has been associated with some of the adverse reactions listed above.{{Cite news |title=Carprofen For Dogs: Dosage, Side Effects, And Alternatives |language=en |work=Relievet |url=https://www.relievet.com/blogs/tips/side-effects-of-carprofen-for-dogs-dosage |access-date=2022-07-21}}

Effects of overdose include gastritis and ulcer formation.{{Cite web|title=Generic dog Rimadyl online|url=http://RimadylOnline.com/|website=RimadylOnline.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715184803/http://rimadylonline.com/|archive-date=15 July 2011|access-date=15 July 2011}}

In healthy dogs given carprofen, no perioperative adverse effects on the cardiovascular system have been reported at recommended dosages.{{cite journal | vauthors = Boström IM, Nyman GC, Lord PE, Häggström J, Jones BE, Bohlin HP | title = Effects of carprofen on renal function and results of serum biochemical and hematologic analyses in anesthetized dogs that had low blood pressure during anesthesia | journal = American Journal of Veterinary Research | volume = 63 | issue = 5 | pages = 712–721 | date = May 2002 | pmid = 12013473 | doi = 10.2460/ajvr.2002.63.712 | doi-access = free }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Frendin JH, Boström IM, Kampa N, Eksell P, Häggström JU, Nyman GC | title = Effects of carprofen on renal function during medetomidine-propofol-isoflurane anesthesia in dogs | journal = American Journal of Veterinary Research | volume = 67 | issue = 12 | pages = 1967–1973 | date = December 2006 | pmid = 17144795 | doi = 10.2460/ajvr.67.12.1967 | doi-access = free }} Perioperative administration of carprofen to cats affected neither postoperative respiratory rate nor heart rate.{{cite journal | vauthors = Höglund OV, Dyall B, Gräsman V, Edner A, Olsson U, Höglund K | title = Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on postoperative respiratory and heart rate in cats subjected to ovariohysterectomy | journal = Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery | volume = 20 | issue = 10 | pages = 980–984 | date = October 2018 | pmid = 29165006 | doi = 10.1177/1098612X17742290 | s2cid = 30649716 | pmc = 11129237 }}

Carprofen should not be given concurrently with other types of medications, including other NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, etodolac, deracoxib, meloxicam, and tepoxalin) and steroids like dexamethasone, triamcinolone, cortisone, and prednisone.{{Medical citation needed|date=February 2022}} There should be a three-day gap between administering steroid medication and carprofen products, as this may increase the likelihood of ulcers above baseline risk.

Carprofen should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a veterinarian in dogs with liver or kidney disease, dehydration, bleeding disorders, or other health issues. It is not recommended for dogs with blood disorders, such as von Willebrand disease, as its safety in these cases has not been established.{{Cite web|title=Rimadyl (Carprofen)|url=http://www.VetDepot.com/Rimadyl-Carprofen-25mg-60-Caplets.html|website=www.VetDepot.com|publisher=Vet Depot|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523014832/http://www.vetdepot.com/Rimadyl-Carprofen-25mg-60-Caplets.html|archive-date=23 May 2010|access-date=20 May 2010}} It has not been established whether carprofen can be safely used in pregnant dogs, dogs used for breeding purposes, or in lactating dogs.

Numerous laboratory studies and clinical trials have been conducted to assess the safety of carprofen. These clinical studies involved nearly 300 dogs of various breeds, which were treated with Rimadyl at the recommended dosage for two weeks. The findings indicated that the drug was well tolerated, and the treated dogs did not experience a higher rate of adverse reactions compared to the control group.{{Cite web|date=2007|title=Rimadyl [package insert]|url=https://www.rimadyl.com/account/DisplayPDF?docName=PI.pdf|website=www.Rimadyl.com|location=New York|publisher=Pfizer Animal Health|access-date=13 August 2014|archive-date=8 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708155003/https://www.rimadyl.com/account/DisplayPDF?docName=PI.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{Medical citation needed|date=February 2022|reason=Independent professional citation needed}}

A number of factors may have contributed to the high incidence of adverse reports received for carprofen by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine in the late 1990s. These include:

• The type of drug.
• Wide use.
• Duration of use: Long-term use can result in a higher risk of adverse reactions. It is recommended that blood tests for liver and kidney function are performed both prior to starting and regularly while on NSAIDs to monitor the patient’s tolerance.{{Cite web|title=Get the facts about pain relievers for pets|url=https://www.FDA.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912042032/https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 September 2019|website=www.FDA.gov|publisher=Center for Veterinary Medicine|date=3 November 2020}}
• Senior dog use: Older dogs—especially those aged 10 and older—are generally more prone to side effects caused by carprofen.{{Medical citation needed|date=February 2022|reason=Independent professional citation needed}}

Carprofen may be administered intravenously to horses.{{Cite journal|vauthors=McIlwraith CW, Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE|date=2001|title=Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs|journal= Proc. AAEP|issue=47|pages=182–187}} A single dose has been shown to reduce prostaglandin E2 production and inflammatory exudate for up to 15 hours,{{cite journal | vauthors = Lees P, McKellar Q, May SA, Ludwig B | title = Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of carprofen in the horse | journal = Equine Veterinary Journal | volume = 26 | issue = 3 | pages = 203–208 | date = May 1994 | pmid = 8542839 | doi = 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1994.tb04370.x }} albeit with an inferior effect on eicosanoid production relative to phenylbutazone and flunixin.{{cite journal | vauthors = Lees P, Ewins CP, Taylor JB, Sedgwick AD | title = Serum thromboxane in the horse and its inhibition by aspirin, phenylbutazone and flunixin | journal = The British Veterinary Journal | volume = 143 | issue = 5 | pages = 462–476 | date = 1987 | pmid = 3119142 | doi = 10.1016/0007-1935(87)90024-8 }} Leukotriene B4 release is inhibited, as well. Carprofen can be given orally; intramuscular use may produce muscle damage.{{cite journal | vauthors = McKellar QA, Bogan JA, von Fellenberg RL, Ludwig B, Cawley GD | title = Pharmacokinetic, biochemical and tolerance studies on carprofen in the horse | journal = Equine Veterinary Journal | volume = 23 | issue = 4 | pages = 280–284 | date = July 1991 | pmid = 1915228 | doi = 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1991.tb03718.x }}

Carprofen is used as an analgesic for mouse surgical procedures.{{Cite journal |last=Adamson |first=Trinka |date= 2010|title=Assessment of Carprofen and Buprenorphine on Recovery of Mice after Surgical Removal of the Mammary Fat Pad |journal=J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci|volume=49 |issue=5 |pages=610–616 |pmid=20858363 |pmc=2949431 }} Carprofen may also be used in adult fish.{{Cite journal |last=Uney |first=Kamil |title=Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Carprofen in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Broodstock |journal=Pharmaceutics|date=2021 |volume=13 |issue=7 |page=990 |doi=10.3390/pharmaceutics13070990 |doi-access=free |pmid=34208822 |pmc=8309133 }}

It is marketed under many brand names including: Acticarp, Artriofin, Austiofen, Bomazeal, Canidryl, Carporal, Carprieve, Carprocow, Carprodolor, Carprodyl, Carprofelican, Carprofen, Carprofène, Carprofeno, Carprofenum, Carprogesic, Carprosol, Carprotab, Carprox, Comforion, Dolagis, Dolocarp, Dolox, Eurofen, Kelaprofen, Librevia, Norocarp, Norodyl, Novocox, Ostifen, Prolet, Quellin, Reproval, Rimadyl, Rimifin, Rofeniflex, Rovera, Rycarfa, Scanodyl, Tergive, Vetprofen, and Xelcor.

Carprofen is available in 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg tablets, and 50 mg per mL in an injectable formulation,{{Cite web|url=http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.aavpt.org/resource/resmgr/imported/carprofen.pdf|title=Carprofen (Veterinary – Systemic)|publisher=The United States Pharmacopeial Convention|date=2007}} and more recently,{{when|date=June 2025}} as a 50 mg oral formulation called Carprox for dogs aged 10 years and older.

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