Tepoxalin

General Description: Tepoxalin is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs to control pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis. While tepoxalin is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility. This medication should be given with food or shortly after feeding. Response varies but in most dogs, improvement will be seen in a few days. Tepoxalin is available in 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg tablets.

What is this drug?

• Tepoxalin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

• Available as a rapidly disintegrating tablet and is given to dogs by mouth.

Reasons for prescribing?

• Used to reduce 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?

• Tepoxalin should be given to dogs only

• Has had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient tepoxalin

• Has had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs (for example, carprofen, etodolac or phenylbutazone) such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin

Directions:

Tepoxalin should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of tepoxalin is right for your dog and for how long it should be given.

Tepoxalin should be given by mouth. Tepoxalin should be administered with food or shortly (within 1 to 2 hours) after your dog has eaten.

While tepoxalin is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can relieve the pain and inflammation of OA and improve your dog’s mobility.

In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days.

If tepoxalin is discontinued or not given as directed, your dog’s pain and inflammation may return.

What to tell/ask 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 tepoxalin is prescribed

• How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian

• The risks and benefits of using tepoxalin

Tell your veterinarian about:

• Experienced side effects from tepoxalin or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin

• Digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)

• Liver and 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.

For use in dogs only. People should not take tepoxalin. Keep tepoxalin and all medicine out of reach of children.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take tepoxalin.

Possible side effects?

Tepoxalin Tablets, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including Tepoxalin Tablets. Serious side effects associated with NSAID therapy can occur with or without warning and in rare situations result in death.

The most common side effects associated with Tepoxalin Tablet therapy involve the digestive tract (for example, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding). Liver or kidney problems have also been reported with certain NSAIDs. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with NSAID therapy 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)

It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from tepoxalin therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian or call 1-800-224-5318.

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

Tepoxalin should not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, carprofen, phenylbutazone or etodolac) or steroids (for example, cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, or triamcinolone).

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of tepoxalin.

What else should I know?

This sheet provides a summary of information about tepoxalin. If you have any questions or concerns about tepoxalin or osteoarthritis pain, talk to your veterinarian.

As with all prescribed medicines, tepoxalin 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 tepoxalin at regular check ups.

Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving tepoxalin.

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