Rimadyl 25mg / 75mg / 100mg Chewable tablet

Rimadyl is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders in dogs. Rimadyl was shown to be clinically effective for the relief of signs associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

The recommended dosage for oral administration to dogs is 4.4 mg carprofen per kg of body weight daily. The total daily dose should be administered as 4.4 mg/kg of body weight once daily or divided and administered as 2.2 mg/kg twice daily. Tablets are scored and dosage should be calculated in half-tablet increments. Tablets can be halved by placing the tablet on a hard surface and pressing down on both sides of the score. Rimadyl Chewable tablets are palatable and willingly consumed by most dogs when offered by the owner. Therefore, they may be fed by hand or placed on food. Care should be taken to ensure that the dog consumes the complete dose.

Rimadyl should not be used in dogs exhibiting previous hypersensitivity to carprofen. Rimadyl is not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders (e.g. Von Willebrandu2019s Disease), as safety has not been established in dogs with these disorders.

The ulcerogenic oral dosage in dogs was determined to be 30 mg/kg. The safe use of Rimadyl in pregnant bitches, dogs used for breeding purposes or in lactating bitches has not been established. Studies to determine the activity of Rimadyl when administered with other protein-bound drugs have not been conducted. Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring additional therapy. All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish haematological and serum biochemical baseline data prior to, and periodically during, administration of any NSAID should be considered. Owners should be advised to watch for signs of drug intolerance. For use in dogs only. Do not use in cats.

Since many NSAIDs possess the potential to induce gastro-intestinal ulceration, concomitant use of Rimadyl with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and other NSAIDs, should be avoided or very closely monitored.

The safe use of Rimadyl in pregnant bitches, dogs used for breeding purposes or in lactating bitches has not been established.

Not applicable.

As a class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with gastro-intestinal and renal toxicity. The most frequently reported effects have been mild gastro-intestinal signs. Events involving suspected renal, haematologic, neurologic, dermatologic and hepatic effects have also been reported. Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. Dogs receiving Rimadyl should be observed for signs of drug intolerance, such as inappetence, vomiting, diarrhoea, melaena, polyuria, polydypsia, anaemia, jaundice, lethargy, ataxia, seizure or behavioural changes. Susceptibility to drug-associated adverse effects varies with the individual patient. The side-effects of this drug class, in rare situations, may be serious and if corrective action is not taken may result in hospitalization or even fatal outcomes. Side-effects include:

• Gastro-intestinal: Vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetance, melaena, haematemesis, gastro-intestinal ulceration.
• Behavioral: Sedation, lethargy, hyperactivity, restlessness.
• Hepatic: Inappetence, vomiting, jaundice, acute hepatic toxicity, hepatic enzyme elevation, abnormal liver function test(s), hyperbilirubinemia, hyperbilirubinuria, hypoalbuminemia. Approximately one-third of hepatic reports were in Labrador Retrievers.
• Renal: Haematuria, polyuria, polydypsia, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, azotaemia, acute renal failure, tubular abnormalities including acute tubular necrosis, renal acidosis, glucosuria.
• Neurological: Ataxia, paresis, paralysis, seizures, vestibular signs, disorientation.
• Haematological: Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia, blood loss anaemia.
• Dermatological: Pruritus, increased shedding, alopecia, pyotraumatic moist dermatitis (hot spots), necrotizing panniculitis/vasculitis, ventral ecchymosis.
• Immunological or hypersensitivity: Facial swelling, hives, erythema.

See u201cSide-effects and Special Precautionsu201d. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.