Rimadyl and other dog medications, like steroids for example, are pharmaceutical preparations which fall under the auspices of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Used primarily for pain relief and inflammation related to osteoarthritis and post-op pain after surgery, Rimadyl is a common brand name for carprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The drug can control stiffness and swelling due to inflammation, as well as reduce fever in dogs.
There are three ways to administer Rimadyl to your dog. It comes in caplet form and chewable tablets or can be given by injection. Your veterinarian will provide the best advice as to which form of Rimadyl is right for your pet.
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As active ingredients become unstable over time, dog medications like Rimadyl have an expiration date just like human medicines, including NSAIDS such as over-the-counter ibuprofen and aspirin.
Does Rimadyl expire?
Medications have expiration dates to ensure that they are only taken within the time the active ingredient and other ingredients in the product are safe and effective to use. Rimadyl has an expiration date after which the active ingredient, carprofen, may not be effective and may even be dangerous to your dog.
Always check the packaging on your dog's medication for the expiration date. Any medication you have for your pet should have expiration date information clearly printed on the packaging. If you cannot find this expiration date on the product, speak with your veterinarian before giving Rimadyl or any other medication to your dog. They can help you answer questions like, "Does aspirin go bad?" or "Do pet antibiotics expire?"
Is expired dog medication effective?
Rimadyl expiration dates are conservative to ensure your dog's safety. They may be effective past the expiration date, but the chance that it won't be as effective or effective at all is possible. Expired medications can also cause adverse effects. Storage conditions can also affect the quality of the medication, so be sure to follow storing instructions. Temperature (too hot or too cold), light, humidity, and exposure to bacteria or other foreign matter can severely affect the usefulness and safety of a particular medicine.
If you are unsure if your dog's medication is still effective past the expiration date, consult with your veterinarian to ask how long carprofen is good for . These days, veterinary telemedicine is convenient and quick, especially when you have basic questions like when your dog's medicine expires, that don't necessarily require an in-person visit.
Find out if your veterinarian offers this remote service. Remember, it is always wise to err on the side of caution when it comes to caring for your pet's medical needs. Simply looking at the product cannot ensure the medicine is still effective and safe.
Can I give my dog expired pain medicine safely?
A risk is associated with all forms (caplet, chewable, injectable) of Rimadyl when the expiration date has passed. The active ingredient in each form may have degraded to a point where not enough medicine is present to allay the dog's ailment(s), which may result in a flare-up of pain and inflammation. This can cause a setback in their recovery or potentially cause other health problems. You don't want to take a chance on your pet and find out the hard way if expired Rimadyl works.
For injectables in particular, the expired drug may change in pH, which may cause tissue damage and pain. The medication in the syringe may no longer be sterile and could cause a local abscess. Additionally, the expired medication can cause serious side-effects. If you see any sudden changes in your dog's behavior, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.