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Rimadyl AdministrationRimadyl (Carprofen) is available by prescription only under the direction of a veterinarian. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has: an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; liver or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; bleeding disorders; heart disease; high blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
Once you obtain a prescription for Rimadyl for your dog then fill the prescription. Rimadyl (Carprofen) chewable tablets are to be given orally. The recommended dosage is 2 mg per pound daily, given in 1 dose or divided between 2 doses daily. It may be given with or without food. Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions, ask the veterinarian or pharmacist to explain them to you. If you miss a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the regular dose as directed. Do not double dose. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: As a class, NSAIDS may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney and liver side effects. These are usually mild, but may be serious. Pet owners should discontinue therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if side effects occur. Evaluation for pre-existing conditions and regular monitoring are recommended for pets on any medication, including RIMADYL. Use with other NSAIDS or corticosteroids should be avoided. |
Rimadyl Cautions
What should I avoid while giving Rimadyl to my pet:
Many over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, and pain medicines that contain aspirin or other NSAIDs similar to Rimadyl. Before giving any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist.
What are the possible side effects of Rimadyl:
Contact your veterinarian if your pet has bloody, black, or tarry stools, or blood in vomit as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Rimadyl and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), muscle cramps, open sores in the mouth, rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, seizures, or abdominal cramping. If your pet experiences any of the following less serious side effects, continue giving Rimadyl and talk to your veterinarian: headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, depression, fatigue or weakness, or dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
What other drugs will affect Rimadyl:
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given aspirin; another NSAID such as etodolac, carprofen, or piroxicam; any over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication; warfarin; furosemide; a steroid such as prednisone; insulin; or probenecid. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Rimadyl. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic toxicity. Effects may result from decreased prostaglandin production and inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase which is responsible for the formation of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.11-14 When NSAlDs inhibit prostaglandins that cause inflammation they may also inhibit those prostaglandins which maintain normal homeostatic function. These anti-prostaglandin effects may result in clinically significant disease in patients with underlying or pre-existing disease more often than in healthy patients.12,14 NSAID therapy could unmask occult disease which has previously been undiagnosed due to the absence of apparent clinical signs. Patients with underlying renal disease for example, may experience exacerbation or decompensation of their renal disease while on NSAID therapy.11-14 The use of parenteral fluids during surgery should be considered to reduce the potential risk of renal complications when using NSAlDs perioperatively.
Carprofen is an NSAID, and as with others in that class, adverse reactions may occur with its use. The most frequently reported effects have been gastrointestinal signs. Events involving suspected renal, hematologic, neurologic, dermatologic, and hepatic effects have also been reported. Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached cautiously, with appropriate monitoring. Since NSAIDs possess the potential to induce gastrointestinal ulcerations and/or gastrointestinal perforations, concomitant use of Carprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided. If additional pain medication is needed after administration of the total daily dose of Carprofen, a non-NSAID or non-corticosteroid class of analgesia should be considered. The use of another NSAID is not recommended. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient. Dogs that have experienced adverse reactions from one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from another NSAID. Carprofen treatment was not associated with renal toxicity or gastrointestinal ulceration in well-controlled safety studies of up to ten times the dose in dogs. Carprofen Caplets is not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand's disease), as safety has not been established in dogs with these disorders. The safe use of Carprofen Caplets in animals less than 6 weeks of age, pregnant dogs, dogs used for breeding purposes, or in lactating bitches has not been established. Studies to determine the activity of Carprofen when administered concomitantly with other protein-bound or similarly metabolized drugs have not been conducted.
Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring additional therapy. Such drugs commonly used include cardiac, anticonvulsant and behavioral medications. It has been suggested that treatment with Carprofen may reduce the level of inhalant anesthetics needed.
If additional pain medication is warranted after administration of the total daily dose of Carprofen Caplets, alternative analgesia should be considered. The use of another NSAID is not recommended. Consider appropriate washout times when switching from one NSAID to another or when switching from corticosteroid use to NSAID use.
Rimadyl Warnings
Keep out of reach of children. Not for human use. Consult a physician in cases of accidental ingestion by humans. For use in dogs only. Do not use in cats.
All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data prior to, and periodically during, administration of any NSAID should be considered. Owners should be advised to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity (see Information for Dog Owners, Adverse Reactions, Animal Safety and Post-Approval Experience).
All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data prior to, and periodically during, administration of any NSAID should be considered. Owners should be advised to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity (see Information for Dog Owners, Adverse Reactions, Animal Safety and Post-Approval Experience).