What is Firocoxib Tablets for Horses?
Firocoxib Tablets for Horses is a veterinary prescription non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) of the coxib class used to control pain and inflammation associated with
osteoarthritis in horses. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition caused by progressive
“wear and tear” of cartilage and other parts of the joints that may result in the following changes
or signs in your horse:
- Limping or lameness.
- Decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, walk, trot or run, or difficulty performing these
activities).
- Stiffness or decreased movement of joints.
How to give Firocoxib Tablets for Horses to your horse.
Firocoxib Tablets for Horses should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Do not change the
way you give Firocoxib Tablets for Horses to your horse without first speaking with your veterinarian. Do not
exceed 14 days of treatment.
Firocoxib Tablets for Horses may be given with or without food. Do not give firocoxib chewable tablets for
dogs to horses, as overdoses may occur and result in serious side effects.
What kind of results can I expect when my horse is on Firocoxib Tablets for Horses for OA?
While Firocoxib Tablets for Horses are not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation
associated with OA and can improve your horse’s mobility.
Which horses should not receive Firocoxib Tablets for Horses?
Your horse should not be given Firocoxib Tablets for Horses if he/she:
- Has an allergic reaction to firocoxib, the active ingredient in Firocoxib Tablets for Horses.
- Has previously had an allergic reaction (such as hives, facial or lower limb swelling, or red or itchy
skin) to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- Is presently taking aspirin, phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine, diclofenac, ketoprofen, or other
NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
- The safety of Firocoxib Tablets for Horses has not been determined in horses less than one year of age or
in breeding horses, pregnant or lactating mares.
Firocoxib Tablets for Horses should only be given orally to horses.
- Firocoxib Tablets for Horses is not for use in horses intended for human food consumption.
- People should not take Firocoxib Tablets for Horses. Keep Firocoxib Tablets for Horses and all
medications out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by
humans.
- Store Firocoxib Tablets for Horses out of reach of dogs and other pets in a secured location in order to
prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.
What to tell/ask your veterinarian before giving Firocoxib Tablets for Horses
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- The signs of OA you have observed in your horse, such as limping or stiffness.
- If any tests, such as X-rays, will be done before Firocoxib Tablets for Horses is prescribed.
- How often your horse may need to be examined by your veterinarian.
- The risks and benefits of using Firocoxib Tablets for Horses.
Tell your veterinarian if your horse has ever had the following medical problems:
- Any side effects from taking Firocoxib Tablets for Horses or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin or
phenylbutazone.
- Any kidney disease.
- Any liver disease.
- Any gastrointestinal ulcer.
Tell your veterinarian about:
- Other medical problems or allergies that your horse has now or has had in the past.
- All medicines that you are giving or plan to give to your horse, including those you can get without a
prescription and any dietary supplements.
Tell your veterinarian if you plan to breed your horse, or if your mare is pregnant or nursing a foal.
**What are the possible side effects that may occur in my horse during Firocoxib Tablets for Horses
therapy?
Firocoxib Tablets for Horses, like other NSAIDS, may cause some side effects. Serious side effects associated
with NSAID therapy in horses can occur with or without warning. The most common side effects associated
with Firocoxib Tablets for Horses therapy involve the tongue, lips and skin of the mouth and face (erosions
and ulcers of the mucosa and skin) and the kidney. Gastrointestinal, kidney and liver problems have also been
reported with other NSAIDs. Look for the following side effects that may indicate
your horse is having a problem with Firocoxib Tablets for Horses or may have another medical problem:
- Sores or ulcers on the tongue and inside of mouth.
- Sores, scabs, redness, or rubbing of the facial skin, particularly around the mouth.
- Change in eating or drinking habits (frequency or amount consumed).
- Change in urination habits (frequency or color).
- Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice).
- Unexpected weight loss.
- Change in behavior (such as increased or decreased activity level).
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian if you think your horse has a medical problem
or side effect while taking Firocoxib Tablets for Horses. If you have additional questions about possible
side effects, talk with your veterinarian or call 1-800-874-9764.
Can Firocoxib Tablets for Horses be given with other medications?
Firocoxib Tablets for Horses should
not be given with other NSAIDs (for example, aspirin, phenylbutazone, diclofenac, ketoprofen or
flunixin) or systemic corticosteroids (for example, prednisone, cortisone, dexamethasone, or
triamcinolone).
Tell your veterinarian about all medications that you have given your horse in the past, and any medications you
are planning to give with Firocoxib Tablets for Horses. This should include other medicines that you can get
without a prescription or any dietary supplements. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your
horse’s medicines can be given together.
**What do I do in case my horse receives more than the prescribed amount of Firocoxib Tablets for
Horses?
Consult your veterinarian if your horse receives more than the prescribed amount of Firocoxib
Tablets for Horses.
What else should I know about Firocoxib Tablets for Horses?
- If you have any questions or concerns about Firocoxib Tablets for Horses
or osteoarthritis pain, talk with your veterinarian.
- As with all prescribed medicines, Firocoxib Tablets for Horses should only be given to the horse for which
it is prescribed. It should be given to your horse only for the condition for which it is prescribed, at the
labeled dose and duration.
- It is important to periodically discuss your horse’s response to Firocoxib Tablets for Horses. Your
veterinarian will determine if your horse is responding as expected and if your horse should continue
receiving Firocoxib Tablets for Horses.