If there is any veterinary drug that has been vilified, particularly on the Internet, it is Rimadyl, which is sold under the generic name carprofen. Critical sites abound, including the cheesy www.rimadyldeath.com. Part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, carprofen was identified as the cause of liver toxicity documented in 21 dogs in a 1998 Colorado State University study.
That said, Rimadyl reactions are "relatively infrequent - approximately two out of 10,000 pets treated, according to the latest numbers reported by Pfizer," which manufactures the drug, says Dominic Marino, chief of staff at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview, N.Y. His specialty practice dispensed more than 30,000 doses of Rimadyl in 2007 - with no reported cases of toxicity.
Comments
Janet Lowther 10 years, 3 months ago
As much trouble as they have with rare reactions to human medicine, is it any wonder anomalous reactions turn up amongst canines, a species which encompasses both 150+ pound mastiffs and 3 pound teacup poodles?
luswinton 10 years, 3 months ago
Why don't you report more facts about the adverse side effects of Rimadyl, instead of sugar-coating the drug? This drug has caused thousands of adverse side effects, and speaking as one who was devastated by the death of my chocolate lab, George, due to irreversible adverse effects of Rimadyl, I challenge you to visit the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Web sites and read about Rimadyl and similar drugs! Let's hear both sides, okay? Also, when will vets start to give out the "Client Information Sheets" that should accompany these drugs?
Here is some recent info from the FDA CVM: FDA NSAID Update Sept. 7, 2006 http://www.fda.gov/cvm/nsaids.htm
FDA NSAID Consumer Report Sept. 19, 2006 http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/506_nsaid.html
FDA BROCHURE - http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/NSAIDBrochure.pdf
FDA FEB. 7 2007 - TREATING PAIN IN YOUR DOG http://www.fda.gov/cvm/NSAIDBrochure.htm
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/NSAIDBrochure.pdf
http://wbztv.com/consumer/FDA.Dog.Drugs.2.581712.html
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