Carprofen
Rimadyl · Novox, Vetprofen, Carprovet (veterinary generics)
Carprofen (Rimadyl and its generics) is the most prescribed anti-inflammatory for dogs with arthritis and after surgery. It is a veterinary-only drug with no human equivalent, so it is sold through vets and pharmacies that stock veterinary products rather than filled from a human pharmacy’s shelves.
What it is used for
Carprofen is an NSAID developed for dogs, approved for osteoarthritis pain and for post-operative pain, given once or twice a day with food. Chewable tablets, caplets and an injectable form exist, and several veterinary generics compete with Rimadyl. It has decades of use and is well tolerated by most dogs when the dose is right and the animal is monitored.
Because it is not a human drug, a regular pharmacy does not stock it, but many pharmacies can order veterinary products or work with a veterinary distributor, and online veterinary pharmacies sell it on a vet’s prescription. The vet checks liver and kidney blood tests before long-term use and periodically after.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Not for cats. Carprofen causes serious toxicity in cats and is approved only for dogs.
- Never combine with another NSAID or with a steroid; stop and call the vet for vomiting, diarrhoea, black stools, loss of appetite, yellowing of the gums or a change in drinking or urination.
- Some breeds, notably Labradors, have been reported with liver reactions; blood monitoring is the safeguard.
- The chewable tablets are flavoured and dogs will eat a whole bottle if they can reach it; store it like any medicine.
- Chewable tablets
- Caplets
- Injection (clinic use)
- 25, 75 and 100 mg tablets and caplets
Veterinary generics are equivalent to Rimadyl; the vet’s prescription may allow substitution.
Why the cash price varies
Carprofen is bought from veterinary distributors, and clinics, online veterinary pharmacies and the few human pharmacies that stock veterinary products all set their own margins. Generic carprofen costs the seller much less than Rimadyl, so a prescription written generically with substitution allowed is the single biggest factor, followed by bottle size for a dog on it long term.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet to write the prescription generically and to allow substitution.
- Ask for a bottle size that matches a ninety-day supply for long-term arthritis treatment.
- Compare the clinic’s price with a pharmacy that stocks veterinary products.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock; pharmacies that carry or can order veterinary products can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Does my dog need blood tests before starting and while on it?
- Can the prescription be written for the generic?
- What warning signs should make me stop and call?
- Is it safe with my dog’s other medicines and supplements?
- Is there a plan to combine it with joint supplements, weight management or other pain relief so the dose stays low?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s carprofen prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s carprofen prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book)
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.