This summary contains important information about Rimadyl. You should read this information before you start giving your dog Rimadyl 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 Rimadyl.
What is Rimadyl?
Rimadyl is a nonsteroidal
anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to reduce pain and
inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis in dogs. A licensed veterinarian
must prescribe Rimadyl for your dog. It is available as a caplet and 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
What kind of results can I
expect when my dog is on Rimadyl for OA?
While Rimadyl is not a cure
for osteoarthritis, it can relieve the pain and inflammation of OA an prove 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 Rimadyl is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog's pain
and inflammation may come back.
Who should not take Rimadyl?
Your dog should not
be given Rimadyl if he/she:
· Has had an allergic reaction to carprofen, the active ingredient of
Rimadyl.
· Has had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example
etodolac or phenylbutazone) such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy
skin. Rimadyl
should be given to dogs only. Cats should not be given Rimadyl. Call your veterinarian
immediately if your cat receives Rimadyl. People should not take Rimadyl. Keep
Rimadyl and all medicines out of reach of children. Call your physician
immediately if you accidentally take Rimadyl.
How to give Rimadyl to your
dog.
Rimadyl should be given
according to your veterinarian's instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you
what amount of Rimadyl is right for your dog and for how long it should be
given. Most dogs will take Rimadyl Chewable Tablets right out of your hand or
the tablet can be placed in the mouth. Rimadyl may be given with or without
food.
What to tell/ask your
veterinarian before giving Rimadyl.
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 Rimadyl is prescribed.
· How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian. The
risks and benefits of using Rimadyl. Tell your veterinarian if your dog has ever
had the following medical problems:
· Experienced side effects from Rimadyl 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 Rimadyl therapy?
Rimadyl, like other drugs,
may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in
dogs taking NSAIDs, including Rimadyl. 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 Rimadyl 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,
lack of coordination, 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 if you observe any of these side effects
in your dog. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk
to your veterinarian.
Can Rimadyl be given with
other medicines?
Rimadyl should not be given
with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, etodolac) or steroids (for example,
cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, 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 Rimadyl. 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 Rimadyl?
Contact your veterinarian
immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of Rimadyl.
How to store Rimadyl Chewable
Tablets.
Rimadyl Chewable Tablets are
designed to taste good to animals. Keep Rimadyl 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 Rimadyl Chewable Tablets, contact your veterinarian right away.
What else should I know about
Rimadyl?
This is a summary of
information about Rimadyl. If you have any questions or concerns about Rimadyl
or osteoarthritis pain, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed
medicines, Rimadyl 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 Rimadyl at regular check ups. Your
veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if
your dog should continue receiving Rimadyl.
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