Breathing problems after Firocoxib (Previcox) in dogs

The FDA has received 329 reports of breathing problems in dogs after Firocoxib. That is 4.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

329Reports

52%Marked serious

9.4%Recovered

46%Died or euthanised

6 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

30 18%

1–2 days

35 20%

3–7 days

32 19%

1–4 weeks

36 21%

Over a month

38 22%

How the animals did

Recovered

30 9.1%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.3%

Still unwell when reported

34 10%

Died

110 33%

Euthanised

40 12%

Not known

114 35%

Problems reported at the same time

148 45%

122 37%

115 35%

99 30%

82 25%

61 19%

45 14%

39 12%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

118

12+ years

About this medicine

Firocoxib relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis.

Products with this ingredient include Previcox. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Firocoxib cause breathing problems in dogs?: 329 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 6 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Breathing problems with similar medicines

Breathing problems after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 2,089 reports · 4.4% of its reports
Breathing problems after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 547 reports · 5.0% of its reports
Breathing problems after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 504 reports · 5.7% of its reports
Breathing problems after Meloxicam (Metacam) 418 reports · 5.2% of its reports

All reported side effects of Firocoxib in dogs · Medicines most reported with breathing problems