Dog - Mavacoxib

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Mavacoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation.  Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe mavacoxib to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in dogs.

How does this medicine work?

Mavacoxib blocks the cyclo-oxygenase-2 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.
• This medication is NOT for daily administration and the treatment cycle should not exceed 7 consecutive doses.
• This medication is palatable and your dog will eat them willingly (but see below).
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.  
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package, leaflet or label to the physician.
• DO NOT give your dog more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Do not give this medication for longer than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

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 your dog two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Some forms of this medication are palatable for animals and therefore should be stored in a secure location to avoid ingestion of large quantities.  Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature and 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.

Potential side effects

• 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 your pet is less than 12 months of age and/or less than 5 kg bodyweight.  Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant or nursing young.
• Your veterinary surgeon may need to monitor your pet's blood to check for abnormalities. Mavacoxib must not be used in dogs with problems affecting the stomach or gut, have bleeding problems, kidney or liver problems, or cardiac insufficiency.
• Potential side effects of mavacoxib include loss of appetite, soft faeces or diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy, and signs of kidney problems.  Notify your veterinary surgeon if side effects appear.
• 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 because mavacoxib must not be administered with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucocorticoids, or to animals with hypersensitivity to sulphonamides.
• Allow one month treatment-free period between last dose of mavacoxib and treatment with another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur.  In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely if mavacoxib is administered simultaneously with an anticoagulant.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.