The
Truth About Rimadyl Side Effects
from
The Senior Dogs Project
A
Review of Signs of a Potentially Life-threatening Reaction
to Rimadyl
- loss
of appetite
- refusal
to drink
- unusual
pattern of urination, blood in the urine, sweet-smelling
urine, an overabundance of urine, urine accidents in the
house
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- black,
tarry stools or flecks of blood in the vomit
- lethargy,
drowsiness, hyperactivity, restlessness, aggressiveness
- staggering,
stumbling, weakness or partial paralysis, full paralysis,
seizures, dizziness, loss of balance
- jaundice
(yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes and whites of
the eyes)
Ten
Steps to Take If You Suspect Your Dog Has Had an Adverse Reaction
to Rimadyl
- If
any of the above symptoms appears, immediately stop the
drug and take your dog to the vet. The earlier your dog
gets appropriate treatment, the better the chances of
complete recovery.
- Have
the vet do a blood panel and CBC (complete blood count).
This will help your vet to determine the supportive therapy
your dog needs.
- If
your dog seems seriously ill, and you cannot get an immediate
appointment with your vet, go to the nearest emergency
veterinary clinic. Explain that you believe your dog is
having a reaction that is typical of a dog taking a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). If the clinic staff is
unfamiliar with the potential side effects of an NSAID
like Rimadyl, have them refer to the Rimadyl product description
or package insert.
- Call
and have your veterinarian call Pfizer. The Pfizer staff
veterinarians should be able to offer guidance to your
veterinarian for the necessary tests and therapy your
dog may need: Pfizer: 1-800-366-5288
-
If you have caught your dog's potential adverse reaction
to Rimadyl in time, it is unlikely that the outcome will
be fatal. Don't panic! However, whenever it becomes necessary
to establish whether Rimadyl was a factor in a dog's death,
a necropsy must be performed. The necropsy does NOT have
to be done by a veterinarian appointed by Pfizer; it should,
in fact, be done by an impartial third party. However,
Pfizer should be advised promptly that the necropsy is
being undertaken and that they will be entitled to some,
but not all, of the tissue samples obtained.
- Try
to maintain a diary of the events leading up to your dog's
suspected adverse drug reaction. Make it as detailed as
possible. Also obtain all medical records from all sources.
Your diary and these records will be invaluable, should
you decide to apply to Pfizer for reimbursement of veterinary
medical expenses.
-
Call and have your veterinarian call the FDA's Center
for Veterinary Medicine to report the incident. Report
to the FDA either by telephone at: 1-888-332-8387 (or
1-888-FDA-VETS) or: You may also report an adverse drug
experience using a form that is available on the FDA website.
Access to the form is at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/index/ade/adereporting.htm
Just print out the form, complete it and mail it. It is
two-sided and postpaid.
- The
distress of dealing with your dog's illness may make it
difficult for you to attend to the practical matters of
reports, procedures, and bureaucratic requirements. If
you feel you need assistance or guidance, please E-mail
LuSwinton@aol.com.
- You
may wish to join the class action lawsuit currently being
pursued against Pfizer.
- You
may also wish to join two E-mail lists that focus on healthcare
for dogs: just email doghealth2-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
to subscribe and also join The
Pet Arthritis Chronicle
Read
the real experiences of the owners of pets on Rimadyl
Note:
If
your pet is suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia, we
highly recommend using a high quality liquid glucosamine formula.
For more information on our recommended glucosamine product,
click here.
Article provided by The Senior
Dogs Project
 The
Arthritis Resource Center for Dogs
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