General Description: Firocoxib is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs to control pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis. While firocoxib 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. Response varies but in most dogs, improvement will be seen in a few days. Firocoxib is available in 57 mg and 227 mg chewable tablets.
What is this drug?
• Firocoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• Given to dogs by mouth
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]
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
• Cats (this medication is for dogs only). Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat receives firocoxib
• Has had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient firocoxib
• 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)
• Dogs that weigh under seven pounds in body weight
Directions:
Firocoxib should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Do not change the way you give firocoxib to your dog without first speaking with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of firocoxib is right for your dog and for how long it should be given.
Most dogs will take the chewable tablets from your hand, or you can place the tablet in your dog’s mouth.
Firocoxib may be given with or without food.
While firocoxib is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of OA and improve your dog’s mobility.
Response will vary from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic.
In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days.
If firocoxib is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog’s pain and inflammation may come back.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
• The signs of OA you have observed (for example, limping, stiffness)
• The importance of weight control and exercise in the management of OA
• What tests might be done before firocoxib is prescribed
• How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian.
• The risks and benefits of using firocoxib.
Tell your veterinarian about:
• Experienced side effects from firocoxib or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin
• Digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
• Liver or kidney disease
• 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.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
For use in dogs only . Do not use in cats.
Potential side effects?
Firocoxib, like other NSAIDS, may cause some side effects. Serious side effects associated with NSAID therapy in dogs can occur with or without warning, and in rare situations, result in death (when doses above the recommended dose were used in puppies less than seven months of age).
The most common side effects associated with firocoxib therapy involve the digestive tract (vomiting and decreased food consumption). Liver or kidney problems have also been reported with NSAIDs.
Look for the following side effects that may indicate your dog is having a problem with firocoxib or may have another medical problem:
• Decrease or increase in appetite
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools)
• Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure, or aggression)
• Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Change in drinking habits (frequency or amount consumed)
• Change in urination habits (frequency, color or smell)
• Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching)
• Unexpected weight loss
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect while taking firocoxib tablets.
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Firocoxib should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, carprofen, etodolac, deracoxib, firocoxib, or tepoxalin) or corticosteroids (for example, prednisone, cortisone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone).
Overdosing?
Consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of firocoxib.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, firocoxib tablets should only be given to the dog for which they were prescribed. They should be given to your dog only for the condition for which they were prescribed, at the prescribed dose.
It is important to periodically discuss your dog’s response to firocoxib tablets. Your veterinarian will determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving firocoxib tablets.
This is just a summary of information about firocoxib tablets. If you have any questions or concerns about firocoxib or osteoarthritis pain, talk with your veterinarian.
