Previcox tablets contain Firocoxib which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Tablets can be administered with or without food are are available in two sizes, Previcox 227mg and Previcox 57mg

Previcox tablets are tan-brown, round, convex, engraved, scored chewable tablets, each containing 57mg or 227 mg respectively of firocoxib. Firocoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the Coxib group, which acts by selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)–mediated prostaglandin synthesis. Previcox tablets are used for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs and for the relief of post-operative pain and inflammation associated with soft-tissue, orthopaedic and dental surgery in dogs. Each tablet is scored to facilitate accurate dosing and contain caramel and smoke flavours to facilitate administration to dogs.

The recommended oral dose is 5 mg per kg bodyweight once daily, tablets can be administered with or without food. Duration of treatment will be dependent on the response observed. As field studies were limited to 90 days, this should be borne in mind when considering longer-term treatment.

Previcox is for animal treatment only. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not use in pregnant or lactating bitches. Do not use in animals less than 10 weeks of age or less than 3 kg bodyweight. Do not use in animals suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, blood dyscrasia or haemorrhagic disorders. Where there is a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, or if the animal previously displayed intolerance to NSAIDs, use this product under strict veterinary monitoring. Vomiting and diarrhoea have occasionally been reported. These reactions are generally of a transitory nature and are reversible when the treatment is stopped. Rarely, nervous system disorders have been reported in treated dogs.

Do not use concomitantly with corticosteroids or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Use in very young animals, or animals with suspected or confirmed impairment of renal, cardiac or hepatic function may involve additional risk. If such use cannot be avoided, those dogs require careful veterinary monitoring. Avoid use in any dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive animals, as there is a potential risk of increased renal toxicity. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.

Renal and/or hepatic disorders have been reported in very rare cases in dogs administered the recommended treatment dose. It is possible that a proportion of such cases had sub-clinical renal or hepatic disease prior to the commencement of therapy. Therefore, appropriate laboratory testing to establish baseline renal or hepatic biochemistry parameters is recommended prior to and periodically during administration. The treatment should be discontinued and the advice of a veterinary surgeon should be sought if any of these signs are observed: repeated diarrhoea, vomiting, faecal occult blood, sudden weight loss, anorexia, lethargy, degradation of renal or hepatic biochemistry parameters. As with other NSAIDs, serious adverse effects can occur and, in very rare cases, may be fatal.

Concomitant treatment with molecules displaying action on renal flow, e.g. diuretics or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, should be subject to clinical monitoring. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided, as there might be an increased risk of renal toxicity. As anaesthetic drugs may affect renal perfusion, the use of parenteral fluid therapy during surgery should be considered to decrease potential renal complications when using NSAIDs peri-operatively.

Concurrent use of other active substances that have a high degree of protein binding may compete with firocoxib for binding and thus lead to toxic effects. In the event of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician. Wash hands after use of the product. Firocoxib is approximately 96% bound to plasma proteins. Following multiple oral administrations, the steady state is reached by the third daily dose. Firocoxib is metabolised predominantly by dealkylation and glucuronidation in the liver. Elimination is principally in the bile and gastrointestinal tract.