Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Firocoxib (Previcox) in dogs

The FDA has received 29 reports of decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs after Firocoxib. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

29Reports

76%Marked serious

10%Recovered

21%Died or euthanised

8 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 11%

1–2 days

1 5.3%

3–7 days

6 32%

1–4 weeks

6 32%

Over a month

4 21%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 10%

Still unwell when reported

11 38%

Died

2 6.9%

Euthanised

4 14%

Not known

9 31%

Problems reported at the same time

15 52%

14 48%

12 41%

10 34%

10 34%

10 34%

9 31%

Decreased haemoglobin

9 31%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

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 decreased packed cell volume (pcv) in dogs?: 29 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 8 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).

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) with similar medicines

Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 168 reports · 0.4% of its reports
Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 37 reports · 0.3% of its reports
Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 49 reports · 0.6% of its reports
Decreased packed cell volume (pcv) after Meloxicam (Metacam) 51 reports · 0.6% of its reports

All reported side effects of Firocoxib in dogs · Medicines most reported with decreased packed cell volume (pcv)