Levafen™
(carprofen) Tablets
Flavored Tablets
for Osteoarthritis and Post-Surgical Pain
Generic name: carprofen ("car-prō-fen")
This summary contains important information about Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets. You should read this information before you start giving your dog Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets.
What are Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets?
Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets are a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis and pain following surgery in dogs. Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets are a prescription drug for dogs. They are available as tablets and are 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets?
While Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets are not a cure for osteoarthritis, they 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets are discontinued or not given as directed, your dog's pain and inflammation may come back.
Who should not take Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets?
Your dog should not be given Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets if he/she:
- Has had an allergic reaction to carprofen, the active ingredient of Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets.
- 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.
Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets should be given to dogs only. Cats should not be given Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat receives Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets. People should not take Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets. Keep Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets and all medicines out of reach of children. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets.
How to give Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets to your dog.
Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets is right for your dog and for how long it should be given. Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food.
What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets.
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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets are prescribed.
- How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian.
- The risks and benefits of using Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets.
Tell your veterinarian if your dog has ever had the following medical problems:
- Experienced side effects from Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets therapy?
Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets. 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian.
Can Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets be given with other medicines?
Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets. 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 Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets.
What else should I know about Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets?
This sheet provides a summary of information about Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets. If you have any questions or concerns about Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets, or osteoarthritis, or postoperative pain, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets should only be given to the dog for which they were prescribed. They should be given to your dog only for the condition for which they were prescribed.
It is important to periodically discuss your dog's response to Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving Levafen™ (carprofen) Tablets.
CONTACT INFORMATION
To report suspected adverse drug experiences, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet, contact the manufacturer at 1-833-571-1525. 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 # 200-767
Manufactured for:
Aspen Veterinary Resources®, LTD.
Liberty, MO 64068
pivetalvet.com
Manufactured in India
Neutral Code No. MP/DRUGS/25/90/2020
Rev. 05/26