Leucopenia after Firocoxib (Previcox) in dogs

The FDA has received 86 reports of leucopenia in dogs after Firocoxib. That is 1.1% 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.

86Reports
42%Marked serious
7.0%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
1 3.2%
1–2 days
6 19%
3–7 days
11 35%
1–4 weeks
5 16%
Over a month
8 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
5 5.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.2%
Still unwell when reported
10 12%
Died
23 27%
Euthanised
5 5.8%
Not known
42 49%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
10
4–7 years
21
8–11 years
34
12+ years
20

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 leucopenia in dogs?
86 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).

Leucopenia with similar medicines

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