Intestinal perforation after Firocoxib (Previcox) in dogs

The FDA has received 315 reports of intestinal perforation in dogs after Firocoxib. That is 3.9% 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.

315Reports
34%Marked serious
8.3%Recovered
60%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
5 5.1%
1–2 days
10 10%
3–7 days
37 38%
1–4 weeks
29 30%
Over a month
17 17%

How the animals did

Recovered
26 8.3%
Still unwell when reported
19 6.0%
Died
166 53%
Euthanised
22 7.0%
Not known
82 26%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
10
1–3 years
65
4–7 years
105
8–11 years
112
12+ years
15

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 intestinal perforation in dogs?
315 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 7 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).

Intestinal perforation with similar medicines

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