Behaviour change after Firocoxib (Previcox) in horses

The FDA has received 29 reports of behaviour change in horses after Firocoxib. That is 5.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 3.7% across reports for all horse medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

29Reports

24%Marked serious

34%Recovered

3.4%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

5 24%

1–2 days

3 14%

3–7 days

3 14%

1–4 weeks

5 24%

Over a month

5 24%

How the animals did

Recovered

10 34%

Still unwell when reported

1 3.4%

Euthanised

1 3.4%

Not known

17 59%

Problems reported at the same time

Restlessness or agitation

5 17%

Pacing

4 14%

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt)

3 10%

Allergic reaction

3 10%

Itching

3 10%

Colic

3 10%

Pawing

3 10%

Recumbency

2 6.9%

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 behaviour change in horses?: 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 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).

All reported side effects of Firocoxib in horses · Medicines most reported with behaviour change