Firocoxib

What is this medication for?

• OA pain/inflammation; post-op orthopedic pain
• OA pain/inflammation
• Pyrexia/pain (limited study data)

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Vomiting, loss of appetite (Most common (~4%, ~2% resp.))

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Periportal hepatic fatty change (Juvenile/puppy chronic dosing studies)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Oral ulcers, facial skin lesions, renal papillary tissue death (At/above labeled dose or duration)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Puppies <7 months old or <7 lb — serious adverse reactions incl. death reported above label dose; cannot be accurately dosed under 7 lb
• has or has had: Pre-existing renal/hepatic/cardiovascular disease, dehydration, low blood pressure, concurrent diuretics; avoid NSAID/corticosteroid combos

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Aspirin, corticosteroids, other NSAIDs
  • Fluconazole
  • Furosemide, kidney damage drugs
  • Highly protein-bound drugs
  • Methotrexate

Storage and handling

Room temperature (15–30°C); brief excursions to 40°C permitted.

Good to know

• Manufacturer overdose hotline exists (877-217-3543) — reflects a relatively new-drug adverse-effect profile still being characterized.
• Not FDA-approved for cats — use is extra-label with limited safety data.