Vetprofen Caplets
(carprofen)
Non-Steroidal, Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Vetprofen (carprofen) is indicated for the relief of pain and
inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for the control of
postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in
dogs. Carprofen is the most widely used and clinically proven NSAID used by
veterinarians.
Carprofen, like other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), acts
by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause
inflammation. The majority of dogs respond quickly to carprofen and become
more active and mobile within just a few days of treatment.
Vetprofen may may be given 2 hours prior to surgery and for several days
afterwards to provide sustained post-surgical relief.
- Caplets with convenient, once-a-day dosing
- Provides 24 hours of relief from pain due to osteoarthritis or
post-surgery
- FDA approved
- May be given with or without food.
Contraindications:
Vetprofen should not be used in dogs exhibiting previous
hypersensitivity to carprofen.
Warnings:
Keep out of reach of children. Not for human use. Consult a physician in
cases of accidental ingestion by humans. For use in dogs only. Do not
use in cats.
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. Owners should be advised to observe for signs of potential
drug toxicity (see Information for Dog Owners, Adverse Reactions, Animal
Safety and Post-Approval Experience).
Store at controlled room temperature 15°C - 30°C (59°F -
86°F).
Precautions:
As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with
gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic toxicity. Effects may result from
decreased prostaglandin production and inhibition of the enzyme
cyclooxygenase which is responsible for the formation of prostaglandins
from arachidonic acid.
11-14 When NSAIDs inhibit
prostaglandins that cause inflammation they may also inhibit those
prostaglandins which maintain normal homeostatic 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 unmask occult
disease which has previously been undiagnosed due to the absence of
apparent 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. Concurrent
administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached
cautiously, with appropriate monitoring. Since many NSAIDs possess the
potential to induce gastrointestinal ulceration, concomitant use of
carprofen with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids
and NSAIDs, should be avoided or very closely monitored. Sensitivity to
drug-associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient.
For example, carprofen treatment was not associated with renal toxicity
or gastrointestinal ulceration in well-controlled safety studies of up
to ten times the dose in dogs.
Carprofen 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 carprofen 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 carprofen 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 carprofen, alternative analgesia should be
considered. The use of another NSAID is not recommended. Consider
appropriate washout times when switching from one NSAID to another or
when switching from corticosteroid use to NSAID use.
Dosage and Administration:
For use in dogs only. The recommended dosage for oral administration to
dogs is 2 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) of body weight daily. The total daily dose
may be administered as 2 mg/lb of body weight once daily or divided and
administered as 1 mg/lb (2.2 mg/kg) twice daily. For the control of
postoperative pain, administer approximately 2 hours before the
procedure. Caplets are scored and dosage should be calculated in
half-caplet increments.
Adverse Reactions:
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. The vast majority of patients with drug related adverse
reactions recover when the signs are recognized, the drug is withdrawn,
and veterinary care, if appropriate, is initiated.
Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed
veterinarian
Vetoquinol USA
Rx Medication Sold Only To Licensed Veterinarians & Pharmacies. Current
License Must Be On File Prior To Shipping.