Galliprant (grapiprant) is a prescription anti-inflammatory and pain medication for dogs manufactured by Elanco. It belongs to a newer drug class called piprants, which work differently from traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen (Rimadyl) or meloxicam (Metacam). Galliprant was FDA-approved for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs and has gained significant attention among veterinarians and pet owners as a potentially gentler option for managing chronic joint pain, particularly in older dogs or those with preexisting kidney or liver concerns.
What Is Galliprant Used For?
Galliprant is prescribed for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Common scenarios where your veterinarian may recommend Galliprant include:
- Osteoarthritis in dogs of any age (approved for dogs 9 months and older, weighing at least 8 pounds)
- Chronic joint pain that requires long-term management
- Dogs at higher risk for GI, kidney, or liver side effects from traditional NSAIDs
- Early-stage OA where starting a pain management plan may slow disease impact on quality of life
Galliprant is not a cure for osteoarthritis. It controls pain and inflammation to improve your dog’s comfort and mobility. Your veterinarian will develop a comprehensive pain management plan that may also include weight management, physical rehabilitation, joint supplements, and other therapies.
How Does Galliprant Work?
Traditional NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib) work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which broadly reduces prostaglandin production. While effective for pain, this approach also affects prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining, maintain kidney blood flow, and support liver function, which is why traditional NSAIDs carry GI, renal, and hepatic risks.
Galliprant takes a different approach. Instead of blocking COX enzymes upstream, it specifically blocks the EP4 prostaglandin receptor, which is a key mediator of OA pain and inflammation. By targeting this single receptor downstream, Galliprant aims to relieve pain while leaving other prostaglandin pathways more intact. This targeted mechanism is why Galliprant is sometimes described as having a more favorable safety profile for the GI tract, kidneys, and liver compared to traditional NSAIDs, though all anti-inflammatory medications carry some degree of risk and require veterinary monitoring.
Galliprant is classified as a non-COX-inhibiting NSAID and is the first piprant-class drug approved for veterinary use.
Dosage
Galliprant is dosed based on your dog’s body weight. Your veterinarian will determine the exact dose for your dog. The FDA-approved dose is 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) given once daily.
| Dog’s Weight | Galliprant Tablet Strength | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| 8-15 lbs | 20 mg | 1 tablet once daily |
| 15-30 lbs | 20 mg | Vet-directed combination |
| 25-50 lbs | 60 mg | 1 tablet once daily |
| 50-100 lbs | 100 mg | 1 tablet once daily |
| Over 100 lbs | 100 mg | Vet-directed combination |
Available tablet strengths are 20 mg, 60 mg, and 100 mg. Tablets are flavored and scored.
How to Give Galliprant to Your Dog
- Give Galliprant once daily, at approximately the same time each day.
- Galliprant should be given with or without food. Unlike some NSAIDs, it does not need to be given with a meal, though giving it with food is fine if that helps your dog take it.
- Do not break or crush the tablets unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so.
- If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up.
- Follow up with your veterinarian as directed so they can monitor your dog’s response and overall health.
Side Effects
Like all anti-inflammatory medications, Galliprant can cause side effects. While its targeted mechanism may reduce certain risks compared to traditional NSAIDs, monitoring remains important.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects (Contact Your Vet) |
|---|---|
| Vomiting | Bloody or tarry stool |
| Diarrhea or soft stool | Persistent vomiting |
| Decreased appetite | Yellowing of gums or skin (jaundice) |
| Mild lethargy | Increased thirst or urination |
| Unexplained weight loss | |
| Signs of kidney or liver problems |
In clinical trials, vomiting and soft stool were the most commonly reported side effects. Your veterinarian will recommend baseline blood work before starting Galliprant and periodic monitoring thereafter, especially for long-term use.
Drug Interactions
Galliprant should not be used in combination with:
- Other NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib, firocoxib, aspirin): Combining NSAIDs dramatically increases the risk of GI ulceration, kidney damage, and other serious side effects. A washout period is required when switching between NSAIDs; consult your veterinarian for the appropriate interval.
- Corticosteroids (prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone): Concurrent use increases GI ulceration risk.
- Other highly protein-bound drugs: Galliprant is highly protein-bound and may interact with other protein-bound medications. Inform your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your dog receives.
Galliprant has been used alongside some other medications (such as joint supplements, gabapentin, and certain heart medications) under veterinary supervision, but always disclose your dog’s full medication list to your veterinarian.
Contraindications
Galliprant should not be used in:
- Dogs under 9 months of age or weighing less than 8 pounds
- Dogs with a known hypersensitivity to grapiprant
- Cats (not approved and not studied for safety in cats)
- Dogs used for breeding, or those that are pregnant or lactating (safety not established)
Use with caution in dogs with preexisting GI disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or bleeding disorders. Your veterinarian will evaluate your dog’s health before prescribing Galliprant.
Storage
- Store at controlled room temperature, 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C).
- Brief exposure to temperatures between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is acceptable.
- Keep in the original packaging.
- Keep out of reach of children and other pets.
Cost & Availability
Galliprant is a prescription-only medication. There is currently no generic version of grapiprant available.
- Approximate monthly cost: $60-$100 per month depending on dog size
- Available tablet strengths: 20 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg
- Galliprant costs approximately 4-8 times more than generic carprofen, reflecting its newer drug class and patent protection.
Galliprant is available through veterinary clinics and licensed pet pharmacies. Costs vary by region, veterinary practice, and pharmacy.
Galliprant vs. Traditional NSAIDs
Many pet owners ask how Galliprant compares to other pain medications. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | Galliprant | Carprofen (Rimadyl) | Meloxicam (Metacam) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Piprant (EP4 antagonist) | Traditional NSAID (COX inhibitor) | Traditional NSAID (preferential COX-2) |
| Mechanism | Blocks EP4 receptor | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 | Preferentially inhibits COX-2 |
| GI safety profile | May be lower GI risk | Moderate GI risk | Moderate GI risk |
| Kidney/liver monitoring | Still recommended | Required | Required |
| Monthly cost | $60-100 | $10-25 (generic) | $15-40 (generic) |
| Generic available | No | Yes | Yes |
| Species | Dogs only | Dogs only | Dogs; cats (injectable only, US) |
The choice between Galliprant and traditional NSAIDs depends on your dog’s individual health profile, age, risk factors, and response to treatment. Some dogs respond better to one medication than another. Your veterinarian can help determine which option is most appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Galliprant start working? Many dogs show improvement within the first week of treatment, with some showing noticeable changes in comfort and mobility within a few days. However, response varies between individual dogs. If you do not see improvement within 1-2 weeks, consult your veterinarian.
Can Galliprant be used long-term? Galliprant is approved for long-term use in dogs with osteoarthritis. Your veterinarian will recommend regular check-ups and periodic blood work to monitor for any changes in kidney, liver, or GI health over time.
Is Galliprant safer than Rimadyl or other NSAIDs? Galliprant’s targeted EP4 receptor mechanism may offer advantages for GI, kidney, and liver safety compared to traditional COX-inhibiting NSAIDs. However, no medication is without risk, and individual responses vary. Your veterinarian will consider your dog’s specific health factors when making a recommendation.
Can I give Galliprant with joint supplements like glucosamine? Many veterinarians use Galliprant alongside joint supplements (such as Dasuquin or Cosequin), fish oil, and Adequan injections as part of a multimodal arthritis management plan. Always inform your veterinarian about any supplements your dog is receiving.
What if my dog vomits after taking Galliprant? Occasional mild vomiting can occur. If vomiting is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms (blood in vomit or stool, lethargy, loss of appetite), stop the medication and contact your veterinarian.
Sources & References
- FDA FOI Summary - Galliprant (NADA 141-455)
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Anti-inflammatory Agents
- VCA Hospitals - Grapiprant (Galliprant)
- PetMD - Galliprant for Dogs
- Elanco - Galliprant Product Information
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting, changing, or stopping any medication for your dog.