Death after Firocoxib (Previcox) in horses

45 reports to the FDA describe death in horses given Firocoxib. That is 9.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all horse medicines.

45Reports

89%Marked serious

0.0%Recovered

100%Died or euthanised

12 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

7 23%

1–2 days

3 10%

3–7 days

3 10%

1–4 weeks

7 23%

Over a month

10 33%

How the animals did

Died

20 44%

Euthanised

25 56%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite

8 18%

Didn't work as expected

8 18%

Breathing problems

6 13%

Lethargy

6 13%

Allergic reaction

5 11%

Colic

5 11%

Recumbency

4 8.9%

Liver problems

4 8.9%

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 death in horses?: 45 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 12 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 death