Carprofen
Chewable Tablets
for Osteoarthritis and Post-Surgical Pain
Generic name: carprofen ("car-prō-fen")
This summary contains important information about Carprofen. You should read this information before you start giving your dog Carprofen 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 Carprofen.
What is Carprofen?
Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis and pain following surgery in dogs. Carprofen is a prescription drug for dogs. It is available as a square shaped chewable tablet and is given to dogs by mouth. 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
To control surgical pain (e.g. for surgeries such as spays, ear procedures or orthopedic repairs) your veterinarian may administer Carprofen before the procedure and recommend that your dog be treated for several days after going home.
What kind of results can I expect when my dog is on Carprofen?
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.
Who should not take Carprofen?
Your dog should not be given Carprofen if he/she:
• Has had an allergic reaction to carprofen, the active ingredient of Carprofen.
• Has had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs
(for example deracoxib, etodolac, firocoxib, meloxicam, phenylbutazone or tepoxalin) such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin.
Carprofen should be given to dogs only. Cats should not be given Carprofen. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat receives Carprofen. People should not take Carprofen. Keep Carprofen and all medicines out of reach of children. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take Carprofen.
How to give Carprofen to your dog.
Carprofen should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of Carprofen is right for your dog and for how long it should be given. Most dogs will take Carprofen chewable tablets right out of your hand or the tablet can be placed in the mouth. Carprofen may be given with or without food.
What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving Carprofen.
Talk to your veterinarian about:
• The signs of OA you have observed (for example limping, stiffness).
• The importance of weight control and exercise in the management of OA.
• What tests might be done before Carprofen is prescribed.
• How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian.
• The risks and benefits of using Carprofen.
Tell your veterinarian if your dog has ever had the following medical problems:
• Experienced side effects from Carprofen 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.
Tell your veterinarian 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 Carprofen therapy?
Carprofen, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including Carprofen. 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 Carprofen 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 Carprofen therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian.
Can Carprofen be given with other medicines?
Carprofen should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, deracoxib, etodolac, firocoxib, meloxicam, tepoxalin) or steroids (for example, cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, 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 Carprofen. 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 Carprofen?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of Carprofen.
How to store Carprofen chewable tablets.
Carprofen chewable tablets are designed to taste good to animals.
Keep Carprofen chewable tablets in a secured storage area out of the reach of your dog and other pets. If your dog ingests more than your veterinarian prescribed, or if your other pets take Carprofen chewable tablets, contact your veterinarian right away.
What else should I know about Carprofen?
This sheet provides a summary of information about Carprofen. If you have any questions or concerns about Carprofen or osteoarthritis pain, or postoperative pain, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, Carprofen should only be given to the dog for which it was prescribed. It should be given to your dog only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
It is important to periodically discuss your dog's response to Carprofen at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving Carprofen.
To report suspected adverse drug events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact ZyVet Animal Health Inc. at 1-877-993-8779. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or
www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.
Approved by FDA under ANADA # 200-739
Manufactured by:
Zydus Animal Health and Investments Limited, Ahmedabad, India
Distributed by:
ZyVet Animal Health Inc.
Pennington, NJ 08534
2105359
Rev.: 04/26