Carprofen
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| AHFS/Drugs.com | FDA Professional Drug Information |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Protein binding | High (99%) |
| Biological half-life | Approximately 8 h (range 4.5–9.8 h) in dogs |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.053.357 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C15H12ClNO2 |
| Molar mass | 273.714 g/mol |
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| Chirality | Racemic mixture |
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Carprofen, marketed under many brand names worldwide, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that veterinarians prescribe as a supportive treatment for various conditions in animals. It provides day-to-day treatment for pain and inflammation from various kinds of joint pain as well as post-operative pain. Carprofen reduces inflammation by inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2; its specificity for COX-2 varies from species to species.
Most dogs respond well to carprofen use, but like all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications used in humans and animals, it is capable of causing gastrointestinal, liver and kidney problems in some patients.
After introduction, significant anecdotal reports of sudden animal deaths from its use arose. To date, the FDA has received more than 6,000 adverse reaction reports about the drug (manufactured by Pfizer). As a result, the FDA requested that Pfizer advise consumers in their advertising that death is a possible side effect. Pfizer refused and pulled their advertising; however, they now include death as a possible side effect on the drug label. Plans call for a "Dear Doctor" letter to advise veterinarians, and a safety sheet attached to pill packages.
Pfizer acknowledges a problem with some dog owners, especially a consumer group that mounted a campaign dubbed BARKS, for Be Aware of Rimadyl's Known Side-effects—which include loss of appetite, wobbling, vomiting, seizures, and severe liver malfunction. Reports say the drug company has contacted pet owners who told their stories on the Internet, offering to pay medical and diagnostic expenses for dogs that carprofen may have harmed.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Other symptoms worth discussing with a vet include excessive drinking or urination, blood or dark tar-like material in urine or stools, jaundice (yellowing of eyes), and unusual lethargy.
Other side effects of Rimadyl include:
Excess use of Rimadyl can lead to gastritis and ulcer formation. It is also believed that in some breeds of dogs it may induce kidney and liver damage.
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Wikipedia