Deracoxib
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Deracoxib for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- This medicine is a type of pain and swelling reducer (an anti-inflammatory pain reliever) used for dogs.
- Giving it with a meal can lower the chance of an upset stomach.
- While your pet is taking this medicine, make sure they can drink plenty of water.
- Do not give this medicine at the same time as any other anti-inflammatory drugs, whether they are prescribed or bought without a prescription.
- Possible side effects include mild throwing up or eating less.
- Call your veterinarian if you see blood in poop or vomit, big changes in eating, changes in energy or behavior, or changes in how much your pet drinks or pees.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace guidance from your veterinary healthcare team.
Description
- This medicine is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever (NSAID), meaning it is used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- It comes as flavored chewable tablets.
Other common names
- Deramaxx
Uses
- Used to help with pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis in dogs.
- Used to help with pain and inflammation after dental surgery or bone/joint (orthopedic) surgery in dogs.
At your veterinarian’s judgment, this medicine may also be used in other animal species or for other purposes (this is called extra-label use).
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- All other medicines or supplements your animal is receiving, especially any anti-inflammatory products (prescription or over-the-counter).
- Any medical problems your animal has now or has had before.
- Any past bad reactions your animal has had to medicines.
- What risks may exist if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Cats.
- Animals that have an allergy to this medicine or to similar medicines, including carprofen or firocoxib.
- Animals currently receiving other NSAIDs, aspirin, or steroid medicines.
- Animals that have stopped eating completely.
- Animals that currently have stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Use with caution in animals:
- Animals that have had stomach or intestinal ulcers in the past.
- Animals that are allergic to sulfonamide medicines such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
- Animals that are throwing up or have diarrhea.
- Animals with heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- Animals that are dehydrated or are taking water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide.
- Animals with bleeding problems or blood-clotting problems.
- Older animals.
- Animals younger than 4 months.
- Animals weighing under 6.6 pounds.
Certain medicines are not permitted in some animal competitions. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication? Deracoxib for pets
- Give it with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- Make sure your animal always has access to plenty of clean drinking water. Keeping your animal well-hydrated may lower the chance of kidney problems.
- If your animal will be on this medicine for a long time, regular checkups and blood tests are needed to monitor liver and kidney function. Do not skip these follow-up appointments.
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Small changes in appetite.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Not eating at all.
- Black stools, tar-like stools, or stools with blood.
- Changes in activity, poor coordination or weakness, seizures, or new aggressive behavior.
- Changes in drinking or peeing habits.
- A change in the color or smell of urine.
- Vomiting that continues for a long time or vomit that contains blood.
- Skin problems such as redness, scabs, or itching.
- Yellow color of the gums, skin, or the whites of the eyes (jaundice).
How will I know it's working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
If your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The effects can continue for a few days after the final dose.
- The effects may last longer if your animal’s kidney or liver function is reduced.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If you can, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if a dose is missed:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
- Continue with the regular schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at normal room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
- Because the tablets are flavored and chewable, animals may try to eat them. Store them securely and well out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
Disposal
Do not put this medicine into the toilet or pour it into a sink drain. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To locate a nearby site, contact your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and throw it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”