Previcox is a Cox-2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication used in dogs for the relief of pain and inflammation. Previcox requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs (7 weeks of age or older)
Benefits:
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A flavored chewable tablet makes administering medication easier
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Can be given with or without food
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Is fast acting
How it works: Previcox works by inhibiting the COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) enzyme which generates chemicals that are responsible for pain, inflammation and even fever in the body.
Cautions: Before giving your dog any other prescription or over-the-counter medications talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist.
More Information:
Brand Name Previcox
Generic Name Firocoxib (fie-roe-cox’-ib)
What is the most important information I should know about Previcox:Previcox is a prescription medication that is FDA approved for use in dogs 7 weeks of age or older. Previcox is available as 57mg and 227mg Chewable, scored tablets. Contact the veterinarian if the pet has hives; or an allergic reaction after taking sulfa-based medications such as SMZ/TMP, aspirin or another NSAID such as Rimadyl. Notify your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops abdominal pain; tenderness or discomfort; nausea; bloody, black or tarry stools; water retention; fatigue or lethargy; skin rash; itching; yellowing of the eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding as these symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medications check with your veterinarian or pharmacist.
What is Previcox: Previcox (firocoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Previcox works by reducing substances that cause pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. Previcox is used for the treatment of pain and inflammation as a result of osteoarthritis. Previcox may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Previcox to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; has liver, or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; bleeding disorders; heart disease or high blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking a steroid medication such as prednisone, methylprednisolone or Prednisolone.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. The usual dose of Previcox in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain and inflammation is 2.27mg/pound as a single daily dose. Previcox can be given with or without food. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Store Previcox at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not give Previcox to cats.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Previcox overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, blurred vision, little or no urine production, slow breathing, and coma.
What should I avoid while giving Previcox to my pet: Many over the counter cough, cold, allergy and pain medicines contain aspirin or other NSAID's similar to Previcox. Before taking any prescription or over the counter medications talk to the veterinarian or pharmacist.
What are the possible side effects of Previcox: Contact the veterinarian if the pet has abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort; bloody, black or tarry stools or blood in vomit; unexplained weight gain; water retention; fatigue or lethargy; skin rash; itching; yellowing of eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Previcox and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Previcox and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences flatulence or diarrhea; dizziness; headache; or insomnia. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Previcox: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given aspirin; another NSAID such as etodolac, carprofen or piroxicam; an over the counter cough, cold, allergy or pain medication; warfarin; furosemide; an ACE inhibitor such as enalapril, a steroid such as prednisone, insulin; or probenecid. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Previcox. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Previcox written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
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Previcox is a prescription medication.
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Previcox is given once a day.
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Previcox can be given with or without food.
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Previcox is for dogs only. Do not give to cats.
Tip: Keep plenty of water available for your pet to drink.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Puppies: (7 weeks of age and older)
All weights
2.27mg/lb of dog’s weight once a day for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation
Bach is a beautiful nine year old German Shepherd weighing app 120 pounds. He has suffered w/ arthritis & hip problems for the past 4 years. We have tried so many different drugs and therapies to keep him comfy so that he can continue to be active (chasing those squirrels). Previcox has turned his life around. We use it in combination w/ other things, but Previcox makes all the difference in the world for our furry son. I would recommend it to anyone. Do wish they made a generic as it is quite pricey, but worth it.
our sweet bear is very old and has severe arthritis. he is over 100 lbs and we thought we were going to have to put him down. our vet said lets try this product along with his pain meds. he does get around much better. if he was a younger and the arthritis wasn't so severe i am sure he would be even better. i would recommed this product highly.
Bohdi is a 109lb, tall as a great dane, chocolate lab. at 6mons old he had to have surgery on his leg b/c he was basically outgrowing his own body. he is now 3 1/2 and when he does his puppy/deer dance and the weather is cold he ends up limping, unable to even go off the porch to go potty. we give him this med and by 5p.m. he is his normal, spry, puppy-like self. as a person w/ a bad back and knee and prior surgery, i look at him and wonder..why can't they make this drug for humans?
It was so very sad to see my beautiful 13 year old Golden Retriever struggle... Her mind is still that of a playful young dog, unfortuntaley her body is not...In the last couple of years I have watched her decline considerably to the point where she was weak and shakey in her hind end.. struggle to get up after lying down and barely be able to climb stairs. She would get so excited to see me when I come home but in her excitment lose her balance and fall.Although she is an otherwise healthy dog, I was afraid the end was very near for her. She has been on joint supplements for years and they are no longer doing it for her. My vet reccomended I try previcox... WOW! WHAT A DIFFERNCE!!!! After just a few days she was like she was years younger. Her whole demeanor has changed. I now am taking her for walks and slowly increasing the duration of her excersise to try and regain some muscle in her weak hind end. Before Previcox if we even went for a 5 minute walk she would pay for it and not be able to get up for the rest of the day... Now , well she still gets up a little slow... but she can get up. She is even running and playing with her toys again. She is so happy! i have read about the risks and the horrible stories of dogs having a fatal reaction... to me, the benefit outweighs the risk. I would rather my dog have some quality of life and take a chance than be in constant pain and depression... I am lucky, so far she seems to be tolerating the Previcox very well!
I have 11+ Lab mix who has just been put on Previcox. My vet is now recommending quarterly blood work ups. I would just like to know if this is really necessary as I don't like putting my dog through all this. The Previcox does help with the arthritic like pain symptoms.
Previcox is metabolized in the liver. Some of the factors that can affect the liver and its ability to metabolize drugs include the age of the pet and other medications your pet uses that are also metabolized in the liver. Because your pet is 11 plus years old, also because this is a new medication for your pet, (and without knowing other medications your pet may be using), your veterinarian is most likely, in an abundance of caution, asking for quarterly blood tests to determine liver health. You may want to discuss with your veterinarian at what point testing can be done every 6 months provided the quarterly tests do not show any liver changes.
If you cannot remember how your veterinarian told you to give this, I would suggest you check back with him/her. That being said, a typical dose of Previcox 57 mg for a 30 lb dog could be 1 tablet once a day.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.