Previcox for Dogs - Firocoxib - 227-mg - (1 chewable tablet) - [Anti-Inflammatory]

Previcox (firocoxib) is a prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulated specifically for dogs. It is used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis and to manage post-operative pain from soft-tissue and orthopedic surgeries. Previcox is fast-acting, highly targeted, and easy to administer thanks to its palatable chewable tablet form.

Each tablet contains firocoxib, a COX-2 selective NSAID that blocks enzymes responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever in the body—without affecting enzymes that protect the stomach lining. With once-daily dosing, Previcox offers long-lasting relief to improve your dog’s mobility and overall quality of life.

Key Benefits

• Veterinary-Grade Pain Relief: Effectively manages pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis and post-surgery recovery.
• COX-2 Selective NSAID: Targets inflammation without disrupting protective enzymes in the digestive system.
• Chewable & Palatable: Flavored tablet makes administration easy for pet owners.
• Once-Daily Dosing: Provides 24-hour relief with a single daily dose.
• Prescription Required: Available only with a valid veterinary prescription.

How It Works

Firocoxib inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is responsible for producing prostaglandins that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking COX-2 while sparing COX-1, Previcox reduces inflammation while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects common with traditional NSAIDs.

Indications

Previcox (firocoxib) Chewable Tablets are indicated for:

• Controlling pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis
• Managing post-operative pain and inflammation from soft-tissue and orthopedic surgery

Product Specifications

• Brand: Previcox
• Generic Name: Firocoxib
• Medication Type: Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• Form: Chewable tablet
• Strengths Available: 57 mg and 227 mg
• Administration: Oral; once daily with or without food
• Intended For: Dogs of all sizes diagnosed with osteoarthritis or recovering from surgery
• Storage: Store at controlled room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F); excursions between 15–30°C (59–86°F) permitted
• Manufacturer: Merial (part of Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Prescription Required: Yes – must be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian

📄 View the Previcox Drug Facts Sheet (PDF)

Always provide the Client Information Sheet when prescribing Previcox. Carefully assess the potential benefits and risks before use. Administer the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed based on your dog's response.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of Previcox (firocoxib) for oral administration in dogs is:

• 2.27 mg/lb (5.0 mg/kg) once daily for the treatment of osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation
• For up to 3 days postoperatively following soft-tissue or orthopedic surgery

Previcox may be given approximately 2 hours before surgery. Tablets are scored and should be dosed in half-tablet increments. Can be administered with or without food.

Contraindications

Do not administer to dogs with known hypersensitivity to firocoxib or other NSAIDs.

Warnings

• For veterinary use in dogs only. Not for use in humans.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a physician immediately.
• Do not exceed recommended dosage, especially in puppies under 7 months of age or dogs under 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg).

Monitor all dogs receiving NSAID therapy closely. A full history and physical examination should be performed before initiation. Regular laboratory monitoring is recommended during treatment.

Precautions

• Use caution when switching from other NSAIDs or corticosteroids—observe appropriate washout periods.
• Monitor dogs with renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular disease closely.
• Use with caution during anesthesia or with other nephrotoxic medications.
• Avoid combining Previcox with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids to reduce GI risks.
• The safety of Previcox has not been evaluated in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs.

Adverse Reactions

Dog owners should be informed of possible side effects, including:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite or lethargy
• Tarry stools, increased thirst or urination
• Pale or yellow gums, incoordination, or seizures

Discontinue use immediately and consult a veterinarian if any adverse symptoms are observed.

Effectiveness Studies

In multiple field studies involving over 700 dogs of various breeds, sizes, and ages, Previcox demonstrated significant improvement in:

• Pain relief and lameness scores
• Post-operative pain management (soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries)
• Owner satisfaction and veterinarian evaluations

Dogs treated with Previcox required significantly less rescue medication compared to placebo controls.

Palatability

In clinical studies, 97.2% of owners found Previcox convenient to administer, and 68.5% of dogs accepted the tablets willingly.

Animal Safety Data

Safety studies in healthy adult and juvenile Beagle dogs evaluated dosages up to 10x the recommended amount over 180 days. Observed side effects included:

• GI issues (vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers at higher doses)
• Liver enzyme elevations and hepatic fatty change in high-dose groups
• Weight gain suppression in puppies at 3x and 5x doses
• Thalamic vacuolation observed in some treated and control dogs

Use caution when administering to dogs with pre-existing GI or hepatic conditions. Monitor closely during long-term use.

Storage Guidelines

Store at room temperature: 59°–86°F (15°–30°C). Temporary excursions up to 104°F (40°C) are acceptable.

Veterinary Support

📞 For technical support or to report suspected adverse reactions, contact: 1-877-217-3543.