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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell, Fear Free,

Medication: Firocoxib

Medication: Firocoxib

Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient firocoxib for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for the control of post-operative pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue surgery.

Key points:
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).
• Do not use in puppies less than 10 weeks of age or dogs less than 3 kg body weight.
• Do not use in pregnant or lactating bitches.
• Dosage: once daily.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Firocoxib.
Brand name
  • Previcox® (Europe & UK, USA).
  • Ficoxil® (Europe & UK).
  • Firodyl® (Europe & UK).
  • Firox® (USA).
Class of medication
  • A selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibiting (coxib) inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).
Storage
  • Store at room temperature, between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
  • Brief periods up to 40°C (104°F) are permitted.

Why has my dog been prescribed firocoxib?

Your veterinarian has prescribed firocoxib for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for the control of post-operative pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue, orthopedic or dental surgery.

How is the medication given?

Firocoxib is given orally, with or without food.

Dogs with osteoarthritis can be given firocoxib tablets once a day for long term treatment. For post-operative pain associated with soft tissue or dental surgery, the tablets can be given once a day for up to 3 days as needed, starting approximately 2 hours prior to surgery. After orthopedic surgery and depending on the response observed, treatment may be continued after the first 3 days, as recommended by your veterinarian.

Due to tablet sizes and scoring, dogs weighing less than 5.7 kg (12.5 lb) cannot be accurately dosed.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Fibrocoxib can cause the following adverse reactions:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dark or tarry stools
  • Increased water consumption
  • Increased urination
  • Pale gums due to anemia
  • Yellowing of gums, skin or white of the eye due to jaundice
  • Lethargy
  • Incoordination
  • Seizures or behavioral changes.

The most likely adverse effects are vomiting or diarrhea or dark and tarry stools. Firocoxib should not be given to dogs with cardiac, hepatic or renal impairment, or where blood dyscrasias exist. It may also impair healing of any gastric ulcers.

Owners should discontinue firocoxib therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed.

Firocoxib should not be administered with or within 72 hours of other NSAIDs and glucocorticoids. It should also not be administered with other potentially nephrotoxic agents, eg aminoglycosides.

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

Firocoxib is given once daily for osteoarthritis for long term treatment.

For post-operative pain, the tablets can be given once a day for up to 3 days as needed, starting approximately 2 hours prior to surgery. After orthopedic surgery and depending on the response observed, treatment may be continued after the first 3 days, as recommended by your veterinarian.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused firocoxib safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save firocoxib for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of administration, re-dose with another full dose. If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.

Do not exceed the recommended dose as serious adverse effects including death may occur.

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice. If your dog stops eating or drinking with the potential to become dehydrated, firocoxib should be stopped.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Firoxcoxib should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household
  • Do not use in pregnant or lactating bitches
  • Do not use in puppies less than 10 weeks of age or less than 3 kg body weight
  • Do not use in dogs suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, blood dyscrasia or hemorrhagic disorders
  • Do not use concomitantly with corticosteroids or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my dog need to be monitored while on firocoxib?

Laboratory testing to establish hematological and serum baseline data is recommended prior to and periodically during medium to long term administration firocoxib.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on firocoxib can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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