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Adverse Effects/Warnings - Although adverse effects appear to be uncommon with carprofen use in dogs, they can occur. Mild gastrointestinal effects are the most likely to appear, but serious effects (hepatocellular damage and/or renal disease; hematologic and serious gastrointestinal effects) have been reported. Geriatric dogs or dogs with chronic diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, renal or hepatic insufficiency) may be at greater risk for developing toxicity while taking this drug. Although not proven to be statistically significant, Labrador Retrievers have been associated with 1/3 of the initial cases associated with the reported hepatic syndrome. Before initiating therapy, pre-treatment patient evaluation and discussion with the owner regarding the potential risks versus benefits of therapy are strongly advised.
Overdosage - In dog toxicologic studies, repeated doses of up to 10X resulted in little adversity.
Some dogs exhibited hypoalbuminemia, melena or slight increases in ALT. However, post-marketing surveillance suggests that there may be significant interpatient variability in response to acute or chronic overdoses.
Drug Interactions - Note: Although the manufacturer does not list any specific drug interactions in the package insert, it does caution to avoid or closely monitor carprofenÕs use with other ulcerogenic drugs (e.g., corticosteroids or other NSAIDs).
In humans, there are many interactions possible with NSAIDs. Because clinical experience is limited in dogs, the following may or may not be clinically significant: Because carprofen is highly bound to plasma proteins (99%) it may displace other highly bound drugs. Increased serum levels and duration of actions of phenytoin, valproic acid, oral anticoagulants, other antiinflammatory agents, salicylates, sulfonamides, and the sulfonylurea antidiabetic agents may occur.
When aspirin is used concurrently with carprofen, plasma levels of carprofen could decrease and an increased likelihood of GI adverse effects (blood loss) could occur. Concomitant administration of aspirin with carprofen cannot be recommended.
Probenecid may cause a significant increase in serum levels and half-life of carprofen.
Serious toxicity has occurred when NSAIDs have been used concomitantly with methotrexate; use together with extreme caution.
Carprofen may reduce the saluretic and diuretic effects of furosemide and increase serum levels of digoxin. Use with caution in patients with severe cardiac failure.