Previcox (Firocoxib) Chewable Tablets for Dogs

What is Previcox?

Previcox is a Cox-2 non-steroidalanti-inflammatory medication used in dogs for the relief of pain andinflammation due to osteoarthritis. It may also be used for purposes other thanthose listed here. Previcox works by reducing substances that cause pain,inflammation, and fever in the body. Previcox requires a prescription from yourveterinarian.

For:

Dogs (7+ weeks of age)

Benefits:

A flavored chewable tablet makesadministering medication easier

Can be given with or without food

Fast acting

How does Previcox work?

Previcox works by inhibiting the COX-2(cyclooxygenase-2) enzyme which generates chemicals that are responsible forpain, inflammation and even fever in the body.

Cautions:

Before giving your dog any otherprescription or over-the-counter medications talk to your veterinarian orpharmacist. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

Brand Name:

Previcox

Generic Name:

Firocoxib (fie-roe-cox'-ib)

What is the most important thing I shouldknow about Previcox?

Previcox is a prescription medication thatis FDA approved for use in dogs 7 weeks of age or older. Previcox is availableas 57 mg and 227 mg chewable, scored tablets. Contact the veterinarian if thepet has hives; or an allergic reaction after taking sulfa-based medicationssuch as SMZ/TMP, aspirin or another NSAID such as Rimadyl. Notify yourveterinarian immediately if your pet develops abdominal pain; tenderness ordiscomfort; nausea; bloody, black or tarry stools; water retention; fatigue orlethargy; skin rash; itching; yellowing of the eyes; unusual bruising orbleeding as these symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.Before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medications checkwith your veterinarian or pharmacist.

What should I discuss with my veterinarianbefore giving Previcox to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has anallergy to aspirin or any other NSAID. Also inform your veterinarian if yourpet has an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach, liver or kidney disease,congestive heart failure, fluid retention, bleeding disorders, heart disease orhigh blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant orlactating. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking a steroid medicationsuch as prednisone, methylprednisolone or Prednisolone.

How should Previcox be given?

Give this medication exactly as directed byyour veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacistor veterinarian to explain them to you. The usual dose of Previcox in thetreatment of osteoarthritis pain and inflammation is 2.27 mg/lb as a singledaily dose. Previcox can be given with or without food. Keep plenty of wateravailable for your pet. Do not give Previcox to cats.

What are the potential side effects ofPrevicox?

Contact the veterinarian if the pet hasabdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; bloody, black or tarry stools orblood in vomit; unexplained weight gain; water retention; fatigue or lethargy;skin rash; itching; yellowing of eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding as thesesymptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following seriousside effects occur, stop giving Previcox and seek emergency veterinary medical attention;an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue orface; hives). Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue givingPrevicox and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences flatulence ordiarrhea; dizziness; headache; or insomnia. Other side effects may also occur.Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual orbothersome to your pet.

What happens if I miss giving a dose ofPrevicox to my pet?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip themissed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of themedication.

What happens if I overdose my pet onPrevicox?

Contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid while giving Previcoxto my pet?

Many over the counter cough, cold, allergyand pain medicines contain aspirin or other NSAID's similar to Previcox. Beforetaking any prescription or over the counter medications talk to the veterinarianor pharmacist.

What other drugs will affect Previcox?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is beinggiven aspirin; another NSAID such as etodolac, carprofen or piroxicam; an overthe counter cough, cold, allergy or pain medication; warfarin; furosemide; anACE inhibitor such as enalapril, a steroid such as prednisone, insulin; orprobenecid. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Previcox. Talkto your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over thecounter medicines