Hyperkalaemia after Firocoxib (Previcox) in dogs

The FDA has received 132 reports of hyperkalaemia in dogs after Firocoxib. That is 1.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

132Reports
39%Marked serious
2.3%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
8 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
4 7.8%
1–2 days
8 16%
3–7 days
13 25%
1–4 weeks
10 20%
Over a month
16 31%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 1.5%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.8%
Still unwell when reported
17 13%
Died
32 24%
Euthanised
8 6.1%
Not known
72 55%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
11
4–7 years
18
8–11 years
52
12+ years
45

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 hyperkalaemia in dogs?
132 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).

Hyperkalaemia with similar medicines

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