Firocoxib (Previcox) for Dogs

Medically Reviewed by Kathleen Claussen, DVM on October 15, 2024
Written by Joshua Conrad, PharmD
6 min read

Firocoxib (Previcox) is a medicine approved by the DA for the relief of arthritis pain, inflammation, and swelling in dogs. It is also FDA-approved for pain and inflammation after certain types of surgery in dogs.  Firocoxib is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is not approved or recommended to be used in cats.

Firocoxib is sometimes used “extra-label” or “off-label” for pain or inflammation associated with other conditions, such as cancer, colorectal polyps, and some skin conditions. “Extra-label” or “off-label” means that there is evidence of safe and effective use but the FDA has not approved that use.

Treatment with firocoxib can be short-term or long-term since it is tolerated well by most dogs.  

Firocoxib is a class of NSAID that blocks the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, or COX.  It mostly blocks one type of COX, called COX-2, which is involved in causing inflammation. It does not significantly block COX-1, which means that it should cause fewer side effects than other NSAIDs that block both, such as carprofen. It may also be safer on the stomach and intestines than these other NSAIDs.

Firocoxib is available from your veterinarian or from a veterinary pharmacy with a prescription. It is available in various doses in a chewable tablet.  

Firocoxib is given by mouth as a chewable tablet once daily.  It can be given with or without food.  If stomach upset occurs when given on an empty stomach, try giving it with a small amount of food or a treat.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.  

  • Firocoxib is a veterinary medicine that is FDA-approved for use in dogs.
  • Firocoxib appears to be safe in dogs.
  • Firocoxib may be less likely to harm the stomach or intestines compared to other traditional NSAIDs.
  • Firocoxib comes in a chewable tablet for ease of giving the medicine to dogs.

You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement of their condition as well as for side effects of the medicine. Before starting your pet on firocoxib, your veterinarian should do a full exam including blood and urine tests. If your pet continues to take firocoxib long-term, blood tests should be checked periodically. If your pet starts to have side effects, blood tests should be checked immediately.

Do not use firocoxib in dogs that are allergic to it or to other NSAIDs. Do not use in puppies less than 7 months old. Do not use firocoxib in a dog with a stomach or intestinal ulcer. Use firocoxib with caution in dogs with kidney, liver, or heart problems.  Use with caution in dogs with dehydration or low blood pressure. The safety of firocoxib in pregnant and nursing dogs has not been established, so caution is advised.

Side effects are usually related to the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines) and include:

  • Vomiting
  • Decreased hunger
  • Diarrhea or loose stool

If side effects occur with firocoxib, stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian.  Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options depending on the side effects and may recommend switching to a different NSAID or another kind of medicine.  

Although rare, some dogs may experience a more serious reaction to firocoxib, such as stomach or intestinal ulcers, kidney damage, or liver damage.  Symptoms of a serious adverse reaction include:

  • Severe or continued vomiting
  • Stool that may be bloody or black and tar-like
  • Changes in blood tests of the kidney, liver, or decreased albumin and total protein levels
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Yellowing of the gums or whites of the eyes

If you think that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if your pet is using any of the following before using firocoxib.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors like benazepril and enalapril are medicines commonly used for heart disease and high blood pressure in dogs. They may not be as effective if given with firocoxib. 

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs such as telmisartan are used to treat high blood pressure or too much protein in the urine.  The use of firocoxib may decrease the effectiveness of ARBs.

Aspirin. Aspirin can increase the risk of stomach or intestine bleeding if given with firocoxib.  It is best to stop the aspirin and wait an appropriate amount of time before starting firocoxib. 

Blood pressure medicines. Blood pressure medicines like amlodipine and sildenafil are used to treat high blood pressure. Firocoxib may decrease the effectiveness of these medicines.

Clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is a medicine used to prevent clotting inside the blood vessels. When firocoxib and clopidogrel are used at the same time, there is an increased risk of bleeding.

Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids (sometimes just called steroids) such as dexamethasone and prednisone can cause an increased risk of side effects if given with firocoxib. It is best to stop the steroid and wait an appropriate amount of time before starting firocoxib.

Digoxin. Digoxin is a medicine used in some animals with heart problems. Firocoxib can increase the blood levels of digoxin, causing increased risk for side effects.

Diuretics. Diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are medications that help the kidneys remove salt and water from the body.  Firocoxib may reduce the effectiveness of diuretics.

Medicines that can damage the kidneys.  Many medicines can have side effects on the kidneys, including firocoxib. Caution is advised when using these medicines together.

NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs such as deracoxib, meloxicam, and robenacoxib given with firocoxib can increase the risk of side effects. It is best to stop the other NSAID and wait an appropriate amount of time before starting firocoxib. Talk to your veterinarian about any medication changes.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with firocoxib. Always check with your veterinarian.

  • Keep firocoxib out of reach of children.
  • Wash your hands after giving firocoxib to your dog.
  • Do not handle firocoxib if you are allergic to it or to other NSAIDs.

The chewable firocoxib smells and tastes good to a lot of dogs. Some dogs will try to chew their way into the bottle if left where they can get to them. The chewable tablets should be stored in the original prescription package or other tightly closed container. To prevent accidental ingestion of the chewable tablets, the medicine should be stored in a secure location out of reach of the dog. If you suspect your dog has taken more firocoxib than prescribed, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

If your pet misses a dose, you can give that dose if it is close to the original scheduled time. If it is closer to the next dosing time, skip the missed dose completely and give the next dose at the correct time. Do not double the dose of the medicine.  

Firocoxib should be protected from light and kept at room temperature.