Novox for Dogs
Novox is an FDA-approved generic carprofen for dogs from Norbrook Laboratories. Novox is supplied as a non-chewable caplet rather than a flavoured chew. It contains the same active ingredient as Rimadyl at the same strengths, treats the same conditions, and follows the same 2 mg per pound daily dose. It requires a veterinary prescription.
| Generic name | Carprofen |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Norbrook Laboratories |
| Distributed by | Vedco, Inc. |
| FDA status | FDA-approved generic (ANADA 200-498) |
| Dosage form | Non-chewable caplet |
| Strengths | 25 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg |
| Labeled dose | 2 mg per lb of body weight per day |
| Approved for | Dogs only — not cats, not humans |
| Prescription | Required |
What Makes Novox Different From Other Carprofen Brands
Every carprofen product contains the identical active drug, so Novox is not more or less effective than Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen or Carprovet. What actually varies between them — and what can matter in practice — is the manufacturer, the dosage form, the flavouring, the packaging sizes and the price.
The practical difference with Novox is its form. Where most carprofen generics are sold as flavoured chewable tablets a dog takes like a treat, Novox is supplied as a plain, non-chewable caplet. For a dog who spits out chews or is suspicious of flavoured tablets, that can be an advantage, since a caplet goes into food or a pill pocket cleanly. For a dog who happily eats a chew, it is an extra step.
Novox comes from Norbrook Laboratories and is distributed in the United States by Vedco. Norbrook also makes Carprieve, a liver-flavoured chewable carprofen, so if you want the same manufacturer in a chewable form, that is the sibling product to ask your vet about.
If your dog refuses tablets in any form, see our tips on giving carprofen to picky dogs, and chewables vs caplets for how the forms compare.
Is Novox the Same as Carprofen?
Yes. Novox is a brand name; carprofen is the drug inside it. If your vet prescribed carprofen and the pharmacy dispensed Novox, your dog's medication has not changed. The FDA has established that it delivers the same active ingredient into the bloodstream in an equivalent way to the original brand.
See carprofen vs Rimadyl for the full brand-versus-generic comparison, or all generic brands compared.
Novox Dosage
The labeled dose for every carprofen product is 2 mg per pound of body weight per day, given once daily or split into 1 mg per pound twice daily. Dosing is weight-based, so an accurate current weight matters.
| Strength | Guide |
|---|---|
| 25 mg | Carprofen 25 mg guide |
| 75 mg | Carprofen 75 mg guide |
| 100 mg | Carprofen 100 mg guide |
Your veterinarian accounts for weight, bloodwork, age and other medications. Never start, change or stop novox on your own. Use our dosage chart and calculator to understand the scale only.
Novox Side Effects
Because Novox is carprofen, its side-effect profile is the carprofen profile. Most dogs tolerate it well. The common effects are reduced appetite, vomiting, soft stool and lethargy. Black or tarry stool, blood in vomit or stool, yellowing gums or eyes, a marked increase in drinking, or stumbling all warrant contacting your vet promptly rather than waiting.
Dogs with kidney or liver disease, bleeding disorders or a prior NSAID reaction need closer assessment, and novox should not be combined with another NSAID or a steroid unless your vet planned it. Full detail: carprofen side effects in dogs, drug interactions, and bloodwork monitoring.
Novox and the Other Carprofen Brands
All carprofen, clinically interchangeable at the same strength:
Novox Cost vs Rimadyl
Brand-name Rimadyl is typically the most expensive way to buy carprofen, and generics such as Novox usually cost considerably less for the same drug at the same strength — which adds up for a large dog on lifelong daily treatment. Vets often default to whatever their clinic stocks, so asking whether a generic is appropriate is a routine conversation. See the cost and insurance guide and where to buy carprofen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Novox a chewable tablet?
No. Novox is supplied as a non-chewable caplet. If you need a flavoured chewable carprofen, Carprieve comes from the same manufacturer, and Carprovet and Vetprofen also offer chewable forms.
Is Novox the same as Rimadyl?
Yes, in the way that matters: Novox is an FDA-approved generic carprofen (ANADA 200-498) containing the same active ingredient at the same strengths as Rimadyl. It differs in manufacturer, form and price.
Who makes Novox?
Novox is manufactured by Norbrook Laboratories and distributed in the United States by Vedco, Inc.
What is the Novox dosage for dogs?
The labeled dose is 2 mg per pound of body weight per day, once daily or split twice daily. Your veterinarian sets the actual prescription.
Is Novox safe for dogs?
For most dogs, yes, when prescribed and monitored by a vet. It carries the same NSAID risks as any carprofen: digestive upset most commonly, and less often liver or kidney effects.
Do I need a prescription for Novox?
Yes. Novox requires a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian in the U.S.
Can I give Novox to a cat?
No. Carprofen is not approved for cats, which clear it far more slowly and are much more susceptible to kidney injury.
What is Novox for dogs?
Novox is an FDA-approved generic carprofen from Norbrook Laboratories, supplied as a non-chewable caplet. Novox carprofen for dogs treats osteoarthritis pain and post-surgical pain.
Is Novox carprofen the same as Rimadyl?
Novox carprofen has the same active ingredient as Rimadyl. The main practical difference is the form: Novox is a caplet rather than a flavoured chew.
What strengths does Novox come in?
Novox is sold in the standard carprofen strengths, so you may see Novox 25mg, Novox 75 mg and Novox 100mg for dogs. Your vet chooses the strength; see our dosage chart for typical weight ranges.
Sources & Further Reading
- DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Novox (carprofen) product label
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine — Animal Drugs @ FDA, approved carprofen products
- FDA — Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Pets
- Norbrook Laboratories product information for Novox
This page summarizes and explains publicly available veterinary drug information. It is not a substitute for the official prescribing information your vet or pharmacist provides with your specific prescription.