Rimadyl Chewable Tablets

For the relief of chronic and acute pain and inflammation in dogs.

Contains carprofen, a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. As with other NSAIDs the exact mode of action of carprofen has not been defined. Carprofen is a reversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase and a moderate inhibitor of phospholipase A2. It has a minimal effect on those prostaglandins that are necessary for the integrity of gastrointestinal tract and renal function.

Following repeated therapeutic dosing for eight weeks, carprofen has been shown to have no detrimental effect on chronically arthritic canine cartilage. In addition, therapeutic concentrations of carprofen have been shown in vitro, to increase glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis in chondrocytes derived from canine arthritic cartilage. Stimulation of GAG synthesis may narrow the difference between the rate of degeneration and regeneration of cartilage matrix, potentially slowing the process of cartilage loss.

Perioperative Administration

• Fast acting effective analgesia^1,2
• Potent anti-inflammatory action^2,3
• Powerful antipyretic activity²

Fast & Effective

• Rimadyl is faster acting and more effective than meloxicam (as demonstrated in an acute pain model)⁴
• Rimadyl treated dogs were significantly less lame (p<0.5) than dogs treated with meloxicam, etodolac or butorphanol⁴

Long Acting

• Rimadyl perioperative injection is long acting (24 hours) and is an effective analgesic for speys^1,5, orthopaedic and aural surgery⁵

Wide Safety Margin & Tolerance

• Rimadyl is the world’s leading NSAID brand, administered to over 16 million dogs⁶
• Rimadyl was shown to be well tolerated when given to dogs at up to 5.7 times the recommended dose for 52 weeks⁶
• Rimadyl was well tolerated for up to 5 years with a low incidence of minor side effects (1.3%)⁷

Palatable

• The excellent palatability of Rimadyl Chewables ensure dosing compliance, thus achieving intended clinical outcomes^8,9
• 95% of dogs chose Rimadyl Chewable Tablets over meloxicam chewable tablets (Preference Test)⁸
• Rmiadyl consistently demonstrated significantly better palatability in terms of voluntary choice, prehension and full consumption when compared with Norocarp/Carprieve and firocoxib⁸

Dose Flexibility

Rimadyl has dose flexibility (2-4mg/kg as a single or divided twice daily dose) enabling:

• The dose to be tailored to the individual needs of the patient
• The dose to be steadily increased as arthritis severity increases*
• Precise treatment of arthritic flare-ups*

And all whilst remaining within label recommended dose rates!

*in patients receiving less than 4mg/kg

Unique chondro-protective action

• Rimadyl achieves concentrations in the joint that promote cartilage synthesis^10,11 and reduces cartilage degradation¹²

Rimadyl Chewable Tablets are scored light-brown chewable tablets containing 25 mg, 75 mg or 100 mg carprofen. Presented in 60 tablets.

For oral administration. A dose of 2 to 4mg/kg b.w. once daily or in 2 equally divided doses is recommended. Dose and duration of treatment will be dependent on the clinical response of the condition under treatment. Rimadyl Chewable Tablets must be dispensed in a child-resistant safety dispensing container.

Not to be used in dogs exhibiting previous hypersensitivity to carprofen. The elimination time of NSAIDs, including carprofen, in the cat is longer than in the dog, and the therapeutic index is narrower. Therefore, in the absence of specific data, use is contraindicated in cats. Concurrent use of Rimadyl with other anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and other NSAIDs should be avoided or closely monitored.

Carprofen has been given orally to dogs at up to 5x label dose from 6 weeks, 10x label dose for 2 weeks and at up to 5.7x label dose for 52 weeks, with no clinically significant adverse effects. The ulcerogenic dose for dogs was found to be 30mg/kg orally.

Carprofen is an NSAID, and, as with others in the class, adverse reactions may occur with its use. Typical adverse reactions of NSAIDs include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, melaena or faecal occult blood, and lethargy. Clinical syndromes involving suspected renal, haematological, neurological, dermatological and hepatic effects have also been reported. Symptomatic treatment may be necessary. In rare cases death has been reported. In most cases, side effects are transient and disappear following termination of treatment. Owners should be advised to discontinue treatment and contact their veterinary surgeon immediately if signs of intolerance are observed.

As a class, cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Effects may result from decreased prostaglandin production and inhibition of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, which is responsible for the formation of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. When NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that cause inflammation they may also inhibit those prostaglandins that maintain homeostatic function. These anti-prostaglandin effects may result in clinically significant effects in animals with underlying or pre-existing disease more often than in healthy animals. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse effects varies with the individual animal.

All dogs should undergo a thorough clinical examination and appropriate laboratory tests before introduction of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests and periodic re-examination during extended administration should be considered. NSAID therapy could unmask occult disease, which has previously been undiagnosed due to the absence of clinical signs. Therefore, use with caution in dogs that are less than 6 weeks of age, debilitated and aged or with existing cardiac, hepatic or renal disease or are dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive. Use with caution in dogs with bleeding disorders (eg. von Willebrand's disease), as safety has not been established in dogs with these disorders. The safe use in pregnant and lactating bitches and dogs used for breeding purposes has not been established. Studies to determine the activity of carprofen when administered concurrently with other protein-bound drugs have not been conducted. Drug compatibility should be monitored closely in animals requiring additional therapy. If changing anti-inflammatory products, take into account the pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs used previously when considering the time to allow before starting the new treatment. Due to the palatable nature of the tablets, owners should be advised to store out of reach of dogs in a secured location. Access to tablets may lead to ingestion of large quantities with resultant toxicity. Dispense only in a child-resistant safety dispensing container.

Store below 25°C (air conditioning) in a dry place out of direct sunlight.

Zoetis Animal Health New Zealand Limited. Level 5, 8 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. Tel: 0800 650 277, Fax: 0800 628 629. RIMADYL is a registered trade mark of Zoetis Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACVM Registration No. A7084, A7085, A7086 & A8023. RVM; Available only under Veterinary Authorisation.

References:

1. Lascelles, D.X. et al. Veterinary Surgery, 1998, 27, 568-582
2. Rimadyl Injection Product Information, Zoetis Animal Health, New Zealand
3. Shih, A.C. et al, Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 2008, 35, 69-79
4. Borer, L.R. et al. AJVR, November 2003, Vol 64, No 11, 1429-1437
5. Rimadyl Injectable, Freedom of Information Summary, Zoetis Inc, New York, 2003, 141-199, 1-17
6. Zoetis data on file
7. Rimadyl FOI Summary NADA 141-053
8. Payne-Johnson, M. et al. Revue Med Vet 2007, 158, 10, 519-524
9. Payne-Johnson, M. et al. Revue Med Vet, 2006, 157, 8-9, 431-440
10. Benton, H.P. et al. AJVR March 1997, Vol 58, No. 3, 286-292
11. Budsberg, S.C. et al. Veterinary Orthopaedic Society 26^th Annual Conference Proceedings, 1999, pg 44
12. Pelletier, J-P. et al. The Journal of Rheumatology 2000: 27:12, 2893-2902.

For technical enquiries please phone Zoetis Technical Services on 0800 650 277.

• Zoetis Safety Data Sheets
• RIMADYL reference list
• Label: http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/

Dogs
Antibiotics, parasite control, pain management and disease prevention for dogs.