Cat & Dog - Firocoxib

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Firocoxib is a synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation, it is often prescribed to relieve the pain of arthritis.

How does this medicine work?

Firocoxib blocks the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that trigger pain and inflammation, therefore these responses are reduced.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day and try not to miss giving any doses.
• Wash your hands after handling this medication. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet of label to the physician.
• DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture. Halved tablets should be stored in original blister pack and used within 7 days.

Potenial side effects

• Tell your veterinary surgeon if your pet is less than 10 weeks of age. Your veterinary surgeon may weigh your pet because this medication should not be used in animals weighing less than 3 kg.
• Your veterinary surgeon may need to monitor your pet's blood to check for abnormalities.
• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant or is nursing puppies.
• Firocoxib may cause mild stomach upset, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. If these symptoms persist, notify your veterinary surgeon.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if the following symptoms are noted: loss of appetite, severe or bloody vomiting or diarrhoea, depression, or weakness.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet in particular other anti-inflammatory drugs because firocoxib must not be administered with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucocorticoids.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Animals receiving other medicines that affect renal flow, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors, or nephrotoxic drugs may need to be monitored. Concurrent use of other highly plasma-protein bound drugs may compete with firocoxib and result in toxic effects.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.