Carprofen

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Carprofen is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used in dogs to control pain and inflammation due to trauma, surgery, injuries, and osteoarthritis (OA). This medication is for use in dogs only. While Carprofen is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of this debilitating disease and improve your pet’s mobility. Carprofen is available as a caplet, flavored tablet or chewable tablet.

 

WHAT IS THIS DRUG?

Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Given by mouth.

 

REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:

• • Commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis in dogs (signs include limping, lameness, stiffness, decreased movement of joints, difficulty in performing activities and decreased activity or exercise)

• • Commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation following surgery (e.g. for surgeries such as spays, ear procedures, dentistry or orthopedic repairs)

• • Your veterinarian may administer injectable Carprofen in the clinic and recommend that you follow up with the oral formulation for several days at home.

 

 

WHAT DOGS SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION?

• • This medication should not be used in cats

• • This medication should not be used in animals with liver or kidney disease

• • This medication should not be used in animals with active gastrointestinal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerations

• • This medication should not be used in animals with bleeding disorders (e.g. von Willebrand’s disease or thrombocytopenia) or animals that require future surgery

• • This medication should not be used in pediatric patients

• • This medication should be used with caution in geriatric animals or pets with pre-existing chronic disease

• • This medication should be used with caution in animals with a history of heart disease

• • Safety in animals that are intended for breeding, pregnant or nursing has not been established

• • Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication

• • Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs should not take this medication

• The injectable formulation of Carprofen is often given in the safety of a veterinary hospital with adequate patient monitoring and is rarely prescribed for use at home.

• For oral formulations, read and follow the prescription label carefully.

• Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

• Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian. The length of use, frequency of administration, and expected improvement is dependent upon your pet’s diagnosis, clinical response, and initial reason for use.

• Baseline blood work and urinalysis is often recommended to assess your pet’s general health before starting this drug. Periodic blood work and urinalysis will be required to monitor this medication’s effects on the body. Dose adjustments or changes to the dosage schedule may be made based upon these results and an assessment of how your dog is responding clinically.

• Carprofen should be given by mouth with or without food.

• While Carprofen is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can relieve the pain and inflammation of OA and improve your dog’s mobility. Response varies from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic. In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days.

 

• If Carprofen is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog’s pain and inflammation may come back.

 

• Do not give this medication with any other over the counter medications that are used for treating pain without consulting your veterinarian.

 

• This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours. Improvement in clinical signs should follow.

 

• Call ahead for refills.

 

• Ideally give this medication at the same time every day.