Cat & Dog - Carprofen

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe carprofen to reduce pain in arthritis or following surgical operations.

How does this medicine work?

Carprofen blocks the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that trigger pain and inflammation, therefore these responses are reduced.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Some forms of this medication are palatable and your dog will eat them willingly (but see below).
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Do not give this medication for longer than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Some forms of this medication are palatable for animals and therefore should be stored in a secure location to avoid ingestion of large quantities. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature and away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinary surgeon if your pet is less than 6 weeks of age. Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant.
• Your veterinary surgeon may need to monitor your pet's blood to check for abnormalities.
• Potential side effects of carprofen include mild stomach upset and vomiting. Notify your veterinary surgeon if side effects appear and remain troublesome.
• Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet because carprofen must not be administered with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Current use of nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided. Concurrent use of other highly plasma-protein bound drugs may compete with carprofen and result in toxic effects.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.