Rimadyl Chewable Tablets (75 mg) (Canada)

Carprofen is a white, crystalline compound with an empirical formula of C₁₅H₁₂NO₂Cl and a molecular weight of 273.72. It is freely soluble in ethanol, but practically insoluble in water at 25°C.

Clinical Pharmacology

Carprofen is a non-narcotic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent with characteristic analgesic and antipyretic activity approximately equipotent to indomethacin in animal models.¹

The mechanism of action of carprofen, like that of other NSAIDs, is believed to be associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity. Two unique cyclooxygenases have been described in mammals.² The constitutive cyclooxygenase, COX-1, synthesizes prostaglandins necessary for normal gastrointestinal and renal function. The inducible cyclooxygenase, COX-2, generates prostaglandins involved in inflammation. Inhibition of COX-1 is thought to be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity while inhibition of COX-2 provides anti-inflammatory activity. The specificity of a particular NSAID for COX-2 versus COX-1 may vary from species to species.³ In an in vitro study using canine cell cultures, carprofen demonstrated selective inhibition of COX-2 versus COX-1.⁴ Clinical relevance of these data has not been shown.

Carprofen has also been shown to inhibit the release of several prostaglandins in two inflammatory cell systems: rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and human rheumatoid synovial cells, indicating inhibition of acute (PMN system) and chronic (synovial cell system) inflammatory reactions.¹

Several studies have demonstrated that carprofen has modulatory effects on both humoral and cellular immune responses.^5-9 Data also indicate that carprofen inhibits the production of osteoclast-activating factor (OAF), PGE₁, and PGE₂ by its inhibitory effects on prostaglandin biosynthesis.¹

Based upon comparison with data obtained from intravenous administration, carprofen is rapidly and nearly completely absorbed (more than 90% bioavailable) when administered orally.¹⁰ Peak blood plasma concentrations are achieved in 1-3 hours after oral administration of 1, 5, and 25 mg/kg to dogs. The mean terminal half-life of carprofen is approximately 8 hours after single oral doses varying from 1-35 mg/kg of body weight. After a 100 mg single intravenous bolus dose, the mean elimination half-life was approximately 11.7 hours in the dog. Carprofen is more than 99% bound to plasma protein and exhibits a very small volume of distribution.

Carprofen is eliminated in the dog primarily by biotransformation in the liver followed by rapid excretion of the resulting metabolites (the ester glucuronide of carprofen and the ether glucuronides of 2 phenolic metabolites, 7-hydroxy carprofen and 8-hydroxy carprofen) in the feces (70-80%) and urine (10-20%). Some enterohepatic circulation of the drug is observed.

Rimadyl Chewable Tablets (75 mg) Indications

Rimadyl is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation in dogs. Rimadyl was shown to be clinically effective for the relief of signs associated with osteoarthritis, and for the control of postoperative pain following orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, in dogs.

Dosage and Administration

Osteoarthritis: 4.4 mg carprofen per kg of body weight administered orally once daily, or in divided doses of 2.2 mg/kg twice daily.

For the control of postoperative pain: 4.4 mg carprofen per kg of body weight administered orally once 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. Therefore, they may be fed by hand or placed on food.

Owners should be advised when their dog has received a carprofen injection, and be informed of the potential for adverse reactions and clinical signs associated with NSAID intolerance. Always provide client information sheet with prescription.

PALATABILITY: A controlled palatability study was conducted which demonstrated that Rimadyl chewable tablets were readily accepted and consumed on first offering by a majority of dogs.

SAFETY: Laboratory studies in unanesthetized dogs and clinical field trials have demonstrated that Rimadyl is well tolerated in dogs after oral administration.

In target animal safety studies, Rimadyl was administered to dogs at 1, 3, and 5 times the recommended dose for 42 consecutive days with no significant adverse reactions. Serum albumin for a single female dog receiving 5 times the recommended dose decreased to 2.1g/dL after 2 weeks of treatment, returned to the pre-treatment value (2.6 g/dL) after 4 weeks of treatment, and was 2.3 g/dL at the final 6-week evaluation. Over the 6-week treatment period, black or bloody stools were observed in 1 dog (1 incident) treated with the recommended dose and in 1 dog (2 incidents) treated with 3 times the recommended dose. Redness of the colonic mucosa was observed in 1 male that received 3 times the recommended dose.

Two of 8 dogs receiving 10 times the recommended dose (22 mg/kg twice daily) for 14 days exhibited hypoalbuminemia. The mean albumin level in the dogs receiving this dose was lower (2.38 g/dL) than each of 2 placebo control groups (2.88 and 2.93 g/dL, respectively). Three incidents of black or bloody stool were observed in 1 dog. Five of 8 dogs exhibited reddened areas of duodenal mucosa on gross pathologic examination. Histologic examination of these areas revealed no evidence of ulceration, but did show minimal congestion of the lamina propria in 2 of the 5 dogs.

In separate safety studies lasting 13 and 52 weeks, respectively, dogs were administered up to 25.1 mg/kg/day (5.7 times the recommended total daily dose) of carprofen. In both studies, the drug was well tolerated clinically by all of the animals. No gross or histologic changes were seen in any of the treated animals. In both studies, dogs receiving the highest doses had average increases in serum L-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of approximately 20 IU.

In the 52 week study, minor dermatologic changes occurred in dogs in each of the treatment groups but not in the control dogs. The changes were described as slight redness or rash and were diagnosed as non-specific dermatitis. The possibility exists that these mild lesions were treatment related, but no dose relationship was observed.

Clinical field studies were conducted with 549 dogs of different breeds at the recommended dose for 14 days. The drug was clinically well tolerated and the incidence of clinical adverse reactions for Rimadyl-treated animals was no higher than placebo-treated animals (placebo contained inactive ingredients found in Rimadyl). Mean post-treatment serum ALT values were 11 IU greater and 9 IU less than pre-treatment values for dogs receiving Rimadyl and placebo, respectively. Differences were not statistically significant. For animals receiving 4.4 mg/kg once daily, the mean post-treatment serum ALT values were 5 IU greater and 1 IU less than pre-treatment values for dogs receiving Rimadyl and placebo, respectively. Changes in clinical laboratory values (hematology and clinical chemistry) were not considered clinically significant nor reported as adverse reactions. The 2.2 mg/kg twice daily course of therapy was repeated as needed at 2 week intervals in 244 dogs, some for as long as 5 years. Clinical field studies were conducted in 297 dogs of different breeds undergoing orthopedic or soft tissue surgery. Dogs were administered 2 mg/lb of Rimadyl two hours prior to surgery then once daily, as needed for 2 days (soft tissue surgery) or 3 days (orthopedic surgery). Rimadyl was well tolerated when used in conjunction with a variety of anesthetic-related drugs. The type and severity of abnormal health observation in Rimadyl- and placebo-treated animals were approximately equal and few in number (see Adverse Reactions). The most frequent abnormal health observation was vomiting and was observed at approximately the same frequency in Rimadyl- and placebo-treated animals. Changes in clinicopathologic indices of hematopoetic, renal, hepatic, and clotting function were not clinically significant. The mean post-treatment serum ALT values were 7.3 IU and 2.5 IU less than pre-treatment values for dogs receiving Rimadyl and placebo, respectively. The mean post-treatment AST values were 3.1 IU less for dogs receiving Rimadyl and 0.2 IU greater for dogs receiving placebo.

Contraindications

Rimadyl should not be used in dogs exhibiting previous hypersensitivity to carprofen.

CAUTIONS: As a class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin production and inhibit the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase which leads to formation of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.^11-14 While NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that promote inflammation, they may also inhibit prostaglandins which maintain normal function. These anti-prostaglandin effects may result in clinically significant disease in patients with underlying or pre-existing disease more often than in healthy patients.^12,14 NSAID therapy could therefore reveal the presence of disease which has been previously undiagnosed due to the absence of clinical signs. Patients with underlying renal disease for example, may experience exacerbation or decompensation of their renal disease while on NSAID therapy.^11-14 The use of parenteral fluids during surgery should be considered to reduce the potential risk of renal complications when using NSAIDs perioperatively.

Carprofen is an NSAID and, as with others in that class, adverse reactions may occur with its use. The most frequently reported effects have been gastrointestinal signs. Events involving suspected renal, hematologic, neurologic, dermatologic, and hepatic effects have also been reported. Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction. Since many NSAIDs possess the potential to induce gastrointestinal ulceration, concomitant use of Rimadyl with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and NSAIDs, should be avoided or very closely monitored. Although the drug class has been associated with renal toxicity and gastrointestinal ulceration, Rimadyl treatment did not produce these effects in well-controlled safety studies of up to ten times the dose in dogs.

All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data prior to, and periodically during, administration of any NSAID should be considered in some patients. Dogs receiving Rimadyl should be observed for signs of drug intolerance, such as inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, melena, polyuria/polydipsia, anemia, jaundice, lethargy, ataxia, seizure, or behavioral changes. Stop administration of Rimadyl immediately if decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea or other suspected adverse reactions occur, and seek the advice of a veterinarian (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Susceptibility to drug-associated adverse effects varies with the individual patient. Recognition of possible drug-related clinical signs followed by cessation of drug therapy, and by supportive therapy if appropriate, will improve patient recovery. 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.

Rimadyl is not recommended for use in dogs with bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand’s disease), as safety has not been established in dogs with these disorders. The safe use of Rimadyl in animals less than 6 weeks of age, pregnant dogs, dogs used for breeding purposes, or in lactating bitches has not been established. Studies to determine the activity of Rimadyl when administered concomitantly with other protein-bound or similarly metabolized drugs have not been conducted. Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in patients requiring additional therapy. Such drugs commonly used include cardiac, anticonvulsant and behavioral medications. It has been suggested that treatment with carprofen may reduce the level of inhalant anesthetics needed.¹⁵ If additional pain medication is warranted after administration of the total daily dose of Rimadyl, alternative analgesia should be considered. The use of another NSAID is not recommended.

Due to the palatable nature of Rimadyl chewable tablets, store out of reach of dogs in a secured location. Severe adverse reactions may occur if large quantities of tablets are ingested.

Do not use in cats.

Information for Dog Owners:

Rimadyl, like other drugs of its class, is not free from adverse reactions. Owners should be advised of the potential for adverse reactions and be informed of the clinical signs associated with drug intolerance. Adverse reactions may include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, increased urination, pale gums due to anemia, yellowing of gums, skin or white of the eye due to jaundice, lethargy, incoordination, seizure, or behavioral changes. Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug class can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Discontinue Rimadyl therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed. The vast majority of patients with drug related adverse reactions have recovered when the signs are recognized, the drug is withdrawn, and veterinary care, if appropriate, is initiated. Owners should be advised of the importance of periodic follow up for all dogs during administration of any NSAID.

Warnings

Keep out of reach of children.

Adverse Reactions

During investigational studies in unanesthetized dogs for the caplet formulation with twice daily administration of 2.2 mg/kg, no clinically significant adverse reactions were reported. Some clinical signs were observed during field studies (n=297) which were similar for carprofen caplet- and placebo-treated dogs. Incidences of the following were observed in both groups: vomiting (4%), diarrhea (4%), changes in appetite (3%), lethargy (1.4%), behavioral changes (1%), and constipation (0.3%). The product vehicle served as control.

There were no serious adverse events reported during clinical field studies of osteoarthritis with once daily oral administration of 4.4 mg/kg. The following categories of abnormal health observations were reported. The product vehicle served as control.

Percentage of Dogs with Abnormal Health Observations Reported in Clinical Field Study (4.4 mg/kg once daily)

Clinical pathology parameters listed represent reports of increases from pre-treatment values; the use of clinical judgement is necessary to determine clinical relevance.

During investigational studies of surgical pain for the caplet formulation, no clinically significant adverse reactions were reported. The product vehicle served as control.

Percentage of Dogs with Abnormal Health Observations Reported in Surgical Pain Field Studies with Caplets (2 mg/lb once daily)

* A single dog may have experienced more than one occurrence of an event.

During investigational studies for the chewable tablet formulation, gastrointestinal signs were observed in some dogs. These signs included vomiting and soft stools.

Post-Approval Experience:

Although all adverse reactions are not reported, the following adverse reactions are based on voluntary post-approval adverse drug experience reporting to the Center for Veterinary Medicine in the United States. The categories of adverse reactions are listed in decreasing order of frequency by body system.

Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inappetence, melena, hematemesis, gastrointestinal ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis.

Hepatic: Inappetence, vomiting, jaundice, acute hepatic toxicity, hepatic enzyme elevation, abnormal liver function test(s), hyperbilirubinemia, bilirubinuria, hypoalbuminemia. Approximately one-fourth of hepatic reports were in Labrador Retrievers.

Neurologic: Ataxia, paresis, paralysis, seizures, vestibular signs, disorientation.

Urinary: Hematuria, polyuria, polydipsia, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, azotemia, acute renal failure, tubular abnormalities including acute tubular necrosis, renal tubular acidosis, glucosuria.

Behavioral: Sedation, lethargy, hyperactivity, restlessness, aggressiveness.

Hematologic: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, blood loss anemia, epistaxis.

Dermatologic: Pruritus, increased shedding, alopecia, pyotraumatic moist dermatitis (hot spots), necrotizing panniculitis/vasculitis, ventral ecchymosis.

Immunologic or hypersensitivity: Facial swelling, hives, erythema.

In rare situations, death has been associated with some of the adverse reactions listed above.

Storage

Store at a temperature between 15 and 30°C.

How Supplied

Rimadyl chewable tablets are scored, and contain 25 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg of carprofen per tablet. Each tablet size is packaged in bottles containing 7, 60 or 180 tablets.

References

1. Baruth H, et al: In Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, Vol. II, Newer Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Rainsford KD, ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp. 33-47, 1986.

2. Vane JR, Botting RM: Mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory drugs. Scand J Rheumatol 25:102, pp. 9-21.

3. Grossman CJ, Wiseman J, Lucas FS, et al: Inhibition of constitutive and inducible cyclooxygenase activity in human platelets and mononuclear cells by NSAIDs and Cox-2 inhibitors. Inflammation Research 44:253-257, 1995.

4. Ricketts AP, Lundy KM, Seibel SB: Evaluation of selective inhibition of canine cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 by carprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Am J Vet Res 59:11, pp. 1441-1446, November 1998.

5. Ceuppens JL, et al: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the synthesis of IgM rheumatoid factor in vitro. Lancet 1:528, 1982.

6. Ceuppens JL, et al: Endogenous prostaglandin E2 enhances polyclonal immunoglobulin production by ionically inhibiting T suppressor cell activity. Cell Immunol 70:41, 1982.

7. Schleimer RP, et al: The effects of prostaglandin synthesis inhibition on the immune response. Immunopharmacology 3:205, 1981.

8. Leung KH, et al: Modulation of the development of cell mediated immunity: possible roles of the products of cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. Int J Immunopharmacology 4:195, 1982.

9. Veit BC: Immunoregulatory activity of culture-induced suppressor macrophages. Cell Immunol 72:14, 1982.

10. Schmitt M, et al: Biopharmaceutical evaluation of carprofen following single intravenous, oral, and rectal doses in dogs. Biopharm Drug Dispos 11(7): 585-94, 1990.

11. Kore AM: Toxicology of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Veterinary Clinics of North America, Small Animal Practice 20, March 1990.

12. Binns SH: Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of isochemic injury in cases of acute renal failure. Compend for Cont Ed 16:1, January 1994.

13. Boothe DM: Prostaglandins: Physiology and clinical implications. Compend for Cont Ed 6:11, November 1984.

14. Rubin SI: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prostaglandins, and the kidney. JAVMA 188:9, May 1986.

15. Ko CH, Lange DN, Mandsager RE, et al: Effects of butorphanol and carprofen on the minimal alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs. JAVMA 217:1025-1028, 2000.

Zoetis^® and Rimadyl are registered trademarks of Zoetis or its licensors.

Zoetis Canada Inc., Kirkland QC H9H 4M7

8501-11-4

40045512

August 2023

CPN: 1198247.6