General Description: Deracoxib is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs to control pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis. While deracoxib is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility. This medication may be given with or without food, although with food is preferable. Response varies but in most dogs, improvement can be dramatic. Deracoxib is available in 25 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg chewable tablets.
What is this drug?
• Deracoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class
• Given by mouth
• Available as flavored tablets to make administration more convenient
Reasons for prescribing?
• Used to control pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis in dogs [signs include limping or lameness, decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities), stiffness or decreased movement of joints]
• Fo r the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with bone surgery in dogs
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
• Deracoxib should be given to dogs only
• Has had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient deracoxib
• Has had an allergic reaction (such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin)to aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Is presently taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or corticosteroids (unless directed by your veterinarian)
• Has bloody stool or vomit
• Has a pre-existing kidney or liver condition
• Has any condition predisposing to dehydration
• Is anorexic (loss of appetite)
Directions:
Deracoxib should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of deracoxib is right for your dog and for how long it should be given. Do not change the way you give deracoxib tablets to your dog without first speaking with your veterinarian.
Deracoxib should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food, although with food is preferable.
If deracoxib is discontinued or not given as directed by your veterinarian, your dog’s pain and inflammation may return.
While deracoxib is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility. Response may vary from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic.
Deracoxib tablets may need to be given on a periodic basis for the animal’s lifetime. Use the lowest dose to provide adequate relief. Always consult with your veterinarian before altering the dose.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
• The orthopedic surgery your dog will undergo
• What tests might be done before surgery is performed or deracoxib tablets are prescribed
• The signs of pain or inflammation that may occur after surgery
• Normal events that can be expected after your dog undergoes surgery
• The proper amount of exercise after surgery to aid recovery
• The signs of osteoarthritis you have observed (for example, limping or stiffness)
• The importance of weight control, physical therapy and exercise in the management of osteoarthritis
• How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian
• The risks and benefits of using deracoxib tablets
Tell your veterinarian about:
• Any side effects your pet has experienced from deracoxib or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin
• Any digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea) your dog has had
• Any liver and kidney disease your dog has had
• A bleeding disorder (for example, Von Willebrand’s disease)
• Any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had
• All medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription
• If your dog is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your dog
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
For use in dogs only. People should not take deracoxib. Keep deracoxib and all medicine out of reach of children.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take deracoxib.
Potential side effects?
Deracoxib, like all other drugs, may cause some side effects in individual dogs. These are normally mild, but rare serious side effects have been reported in dogs taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including deracoxib. Serious side effects can, in rare situations, result in death. It is important to stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog may have a medical problem or side effect while on deracoxib. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk with your veterinarian or call 1-800-332-2761.
Look for the following side effects that may indicate that your dog is having a problem with deracoxib or may have another medical problem:
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movements such as diarrhea or change in stool color
• Change in drinking or urination
• Decrease in appetite
• Change in behavior, such as depression or restlessness
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Deracoxib should not be given with other NSAIDs (ex. aspirin, carprofen or etodolac) or corticosteroids (ex. prednisone).
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of deracoxib.
What else should I know?
This sheet provides a summary of information about deracoxib. If you have any questions or concerns about deracoxib, postoperative orthopedic pain and inflammation, or osteoarthritis, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, deracoxib should only be given to the dog for which it was prescribed. It should be given to your dog only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your dog’s response to deracoxib at regular check ups.
Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving deracoxib.
