Rimadyl and Arthritis

Dog Owner Information About Rimadyl® (carprofen)

Rimadyl® (pronounced "Rim-a-dill") for Osteoarthritis and Post-Surgical Pain
Generic name: carprofen ("car-pro-fen")

This summary contains important information about Rimadyl. You should read this information before you start giving your dog Rimadyl and review it each time the prescription is refilled. This sheet is provided only as a summary and does not take the place of instructions from your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian if you do not understand any of this information or if you want to know more about Rimadyl.

What is Rimadyl?
Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis and pain following surgery in dogs. Rimadyl is a prescription drug for dogs. It is available as a caplet and chewable tablet and is given to dogs by mouth, or in an injectable formula administered by veterinarians.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition caused by "wear and tear" of cartilage and other parts of the joints that may result in the following changes or signs in your dog:

Limping or lameness

Decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities)

Stiffness or decreased movement of joints
Surgical pain (e.g., for surgeries such as spays, ear procedures or orthopedic repairs) can be controlled when your veterinarian administers Rimadyl before the procedure. Then, your veterinarian may prescribe Rimadyl treatment for your dog for several days after going home.

What kind of results can I expect when my dog is on Rimadyl for OA?
While Rimadyl 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 Rimadyl is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog's pain and inflammation may come back.
Who should not take Rimadyl?
Your dog should not be given Rimadyl if he/she:


Has had an allergic reaction to carprofen, the active ingredient of Rimadyl.

Has had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example etodolac or phenylbutazone) such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin.
Rimadyl should be given to dogs only.
Cats should not be given Rimadyl. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat receives Rimadyl. People should not take Rimadyl. Keep Rimadyl and all medicines out of reach of children. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take Rimadyl.

How to give Rimadyl to your dog.
Rimadyl should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of Rimadyl is right for your dog and for how long it should be given. Rimadyl should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food.

What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving Rimadyl.
Talk to your veterinarian about:


What tests might be done before Rimadyl is prescribed?

How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian.

The risks and benefits of using Rimadyl.
If your dog is prescribed Rimadyl for osteoarthritis, ask your vet about:

The signs of OA you have observed (for example limping, stiffness).
The importance of weight control and exercise in the management of OA.
Tell your veterinarian if your dog has ever had the following medical problems:

Experienced side effects from Rimadyl or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin
Digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
Liver disease
Kidney disease
A bleeding disorder (for example, Von Willebrand’s disease)
Tell your veterinarian about:

Any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had.
All medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription.
If your dog is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your dog.
What are the possible side effects that may occur in my dog during Rimadyl therapy?
Rimadyl, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including Rimadyl. Serious side effects can occur with or without warning, and in rare situations result in death.

The most common NSAID-related side effects generally involve the stomach (such as bleeding ulcers), and liver or kidney problems. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with Rimadyl or may have another medical problem:


Decrease or increase in appetite
Vomiting
Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools)
Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)
Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)
Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell)
Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching)
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from Rimadyl therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian.

Can Rimadyl be given with other medicines?
Rimadyl should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, etodolac, deracoxib, meloxicam, tepoxalin) or steroids (for example, cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone).

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines you have given your dog in the past, and any medicines that you are planning to give with Rimadyl. This should include other medicines that you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your dog's medicines can be given together.

What do I do in case my dog eats more than the prescribed amount of Rimadyl?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of Rimadyl.
source: www.rimadyl.com