Carprofen for Dogs: Veterinary Product and Prescription Questions

Carprofen is a veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in FDA-approved products for dogs. FDA's current pet-NSAID information lists Rimadyl and multiple generic carprofen products among currently marketed NSAIDs approved for dogs.

Brand and generic product identity

Rimadyl is a carprofen brand, while "carprofen" also appears in FDA-approved generic animal drugs from other sponsors. Depending on the product, carprofen may be supplied in oral or injectable forms. FDA records for approved oral products include tablet strengths such as 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg.

Those strengths are useful for identifying a package or prescription, but they are not a recommendation for a particular dog. When comparing products, verify the exact proprietary or generic name, dosage form, strength, sponsor or manufacturer, and labeled species.

Prescription status

FDA states that all currently marketed FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs are available by veterinarian prescription only. That includes carprofen products. A product listing that omits the veterinary prescription requirement should not be treated as equivalent to the approved U.S. product record.

King Pharmacy's publication of this page does not mean the pharmacy currently stocks Rimadyl or any generic carprofen product. Current availability should be checked for the exact veterinary prescription.

Price and availability questions

Carprofen cost can vary by brand versus generic, strength, dosage form, package quantity, pharmacy, and distributor. Price comparisons are meaningful only when the products being compared match the veterinarian's prescription and use the same strength and form. Historical website prices are not current King Pharmacy offers.

Before filling a prescription, ask which specific carprofen product would be dispensed, whether it is the Rimadyl brand or an FDA-approved generic, and whether the required strength and form are currently available.

Safety and veterinarian guidance

Carprofen is an NSAID, and FDA advises veterinary oversight for this class because adverse effects can involve the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, and other systems. A veterinarian should determine whether carprofen is appropriate for an individual dog and what monitoring is needed.

Use the client information and labeling supplied with the exact product. Do not change between brands, strengths, or dosage forms based only on an online comparison, and do not use this page as a substitute for the veterinarian's prescription directions.