Ficoxil Chewable Tablets for Dogs are a prescription veterinary medicine used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, and to manage pain and inflammation after soft-tissue, orthopaedic or dental surgery. Each tablet contains firocoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly described as an NSAID.
Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs are available in 57mg and 227mg strengths, allowing the veterinary surgeon to select an appropriate dose for dogs of different sizes. The round chewable tablets are flavoured and scored so that they can be divided into halves or quarters when the prescribed dose requires it. Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs do not cure arthritis or repair damaged cartilage, but they can reduce the discomfort that prevents a dog from moving normally, resting comfortably or taking part in usual activities.
Ficoxil Tablets work by selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2, usually shortened to COX-2. This enzyme helps the body pro...
Ficoxil Chewable Tablets for Dogs are a prescription veterinary medicine used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, and to manage pain and inflammation after soft-tissue, orthopaedic or dental surgery. Each tablet contains firocoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, commonly described as an NSAID.
Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs are available in 57mg and 227mg strengths, allowing the veterinary surgeon to select an appropriate dose for dogs of different sizes. The round chewable tablets are flavoured and scored so that they can be divided into halves or quarters when the prescribed dose requires it. Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs do not cure arthritis or repair damaged cartilage, but they can reduce the discomfort that prevents a dog from moving normally, resting comfortably or taking part in usual activities.
Ficoxil Tablets work by selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2, usually shortened to COX-2. This enzyme helps the body produce prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation and fever. When a joint is damaged or inflamed, increased prostaglandin activity contributes to swelling, tenderness and heightened pain signals. Firocoxib reduces this COX-2-mediated prostaglandin production, providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is classed as a coxib because it acts more selectively on COX-2 than on COX-1, an enzyme involved in several normal protective functions. This selectivity does not remove the possibility of adverse effects, so Ficoxil for Dogs must still be given exactly as prescribed. By reducing inflammatory pain, the medicine may make it easier for a dog to rise, walk, use stairs and exercise in a controlled way. Better comfort can also help preserve muscle use around affected joints, although activity should be increased gradually and according to veterinary advice.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative joint condition in which cartilage, the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones, becomes worn or damaged. The joint may then develop inflammation of the synovial lining, thickening around the joint, reduced range of movement and bony changes known as osteophytes. It is common in older dogs, but it can also affect younger animals following injury, developmental joint disease or abnormal joint mechanics. Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs may be prescribed when osteoarthritis causes persistent pain or reduced mobility. Signs can include stiffness after sleep, difficulty standing, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, slowing down on walks, intermittent lameness, altered posture, licking a painful area, reduced play and irritability when touched. Symptoms often fluctuate, and a dog may seem comfortable on one day but noticeably sore after greater activity on another. Dogs frequently conceal discomfort, so changes can be subtle. A previously sociable dog may avoid handling, sleep more, hesitate before getting into the car or redistribute weight away from one limb. Video recordings of walking and rising can help the veterinary surgeon assess changes between appointments. Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs help control the painful inflammatory component of the condition, while weight management, suitable exercise, physiotherapy and environmental changes address other factors affecting mobility.
The licensed dose of firocoxib is based on body weight and is normally given once daily, but owners should follow the veterinary prescription rather than calculating or changing the dose themselves. Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs may be administered with or without food. The scored tablets can be divided into two or four equal portions, which helps the prescriber match the dose to the dog’s weight. Any remaining portion should be returned to the blister and used within the period stated in the package leaflet. Give Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs at approximately the same time each day, and keep the pack where children and animals cannot reach it because the flavour may encourage accidental consumption. If a dose is forgotten, do not give two doses together unless specifically instructed by the veterinary surgeon. Contact the practice for advice when the next step is uncertain, when a dog’s weight changes significantly, or when pain appears poorly controlled despite regular treatment.
As with other NSAIDs, Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs are not suitable for every animal. They must not be used in dogs under ten weeks of age or weighing less than 3kg, in pregnant or lactating bitches, or in dogs with gastrointestinal bleeding, blood disorders or known hypersensitivity to firocoxib. They must not be given alongside another NSAID or a corticosteroid. Extra care and veterinary monitoring may be required for dogs with renal, hepatic or cardiac impairment, and treatment may carry greater risk in animals that are dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive. Tell the veterinary surgeon about all medicines and supplements the dog receives, including products bought without a prescription. Vomiting and diarrhoea can occur and are often reversible after treatment is stopped, but repeated sickness, persistent diarrhoea, blood or black material in the stools, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, unusual lethargy, increased thirst or changes in urination require prompt veterinary advice. Ficoxil Tablets should not be restarted after a suspected adverse reaction unless the veterinary surgeon directs this.
For osteoarthritis, the duration of treatment depends on the dog’s response and continuing clinical need. Dogs receiving Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs over an extended period may need regular examinations and blood tests to monitor renal and hepatic biochemistry, particularly when they are older or have other health conditions. The veterinary surgeon may assess gait, joint movement, muscle mass, body weight and changes reported at home before deciding whether treatment remains appropriate. For post-operative pain, Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs may be prescribed for a short course around soft-tissue, orthopaedic or dental surgery, with the exact timing and duration determined by the attending veterinary surgeon. Owners can help by recording mobility, appetite, stools, drinking, sleep and willingness to exercise, rather than relying on a single good or bad day. Comfortable non-slip flooring, ramps, supportive bedding, controlled lead exercise and maintaining a lean body condition can all form part of an individual treatment plan while Ficoxil Tablets for Dogs address pain and inflammation.
Ficoxil contains firocoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that selectively inhibits the COX-2 enzyme. This reduces production of prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation and fever. The result can be improved comfort and mobility, although Ficoxil controls symptoms rather than reversing the underlying cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis.
Ficoxil chewable tablets are available in 57 mg and 227 mg strengths. Each tablet is scored so it can be divided into halves or quarters when required. Your veterinary surgeon will prescribe the appropriate strength and tablet portion according to your dog’s current body weight and individual clinical circumstances.
Ficoxil is normally administered once daily at the dose prescribed by the veterinary surgeon. Give it at approximately the same time each day and do not change the amount yourself. The licensed dose is weight-based, so your dog may need reassessment if its weight changes or treatment is continued long term.
Ficoxil Tablets can be given with or without food. Some owners find that offering the chewable tablet directly or alongside a small amount of food makes administration easier. Follow any individual instructions from your veterinary surgeon, and check that the full prescribed portion has been swallowed rather than dropped or hidden.
Ficoxil is absorbed after oral administration, but the time taken for a noticeable improvement varies between dogs and depends on the cause and severity of pain. Some dogs may appear more comfortable relatively soon, while others require ongoing assessment. Contact your veterinary surgeon if symptoms remain uncontrolled or become worse.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are reported adverse effects and may resolve when treatment is stopped. Seek veterinary advice promptly if your dog develops repeated sickness, persistent diarrhoea, appetite loss, marked lethargy, sudden weight loss, blood or black material in the stools, increased thirst, altered urination or any other concerning change.
Ficoxil and Previcox both contain the active substance firocoxib, but they are separate veterinary medicinal products and may have different tablet characteristics or excipients. Do not switch brands, strengths or tablet portions without veterinary direction. The prescription and dispensing instructions should match the product that your veterinary surgeon intends your dog to receive.
