What is Deramaxx (deracoxib)?

Deramaxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs to control pain and inflammation. It is particularly effective against osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that affects your dog's joints. It is available as beef-flavored, scored, chewable tablets. Deramaxx works by reducing substances that cause pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. Deramaxx is also used to reduce pain associated with surgery or dental procedures. Deramaxx requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs

Benefits:

• Controls pain and inflammation
• Reduces pain & inflammation associated with canine arthritis, specifically controlling chronic osteoarthritis
• Nonsteroidal
• Comes in a tasty beef-flavored chewable tablet, making administration easy

How does Deramaxx work?

Deramaxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to the COX-2 inhibitor class of medications. Deramaxx is different from other NSAIDs because at recommended doses it blocks the COX-2 enzyme, not the COX-1 enzyme. While the COX-1 enzyme is necessary for many normal body functions, COX-2 enzymes trigger inflammation and contribute to pain in arthritic joints.

Cautions:

Side effects involving the digestive system, kidneys, or liver may occur. Periodic blood tests may be required. Not for use in humans. For use in dogs only.

Brand Name:

Deramaxx (Elanco)

Generic Name:

Deracoxib (der-ah-cox'-ib)

What is the most important thing I should know about Deramaxx?

Deramaxx is a prescription medication that is FDA approved for use in dogs. Deramaxx is available as 12 mg, 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg chewable, scored tablets. All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before using Deramaxx. Regular monitoring is recommended. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has hives or an allergic reaction after taking sulfa-based medications such as SMZ/TMP, aspirin, or another NSAID such as Rimadyl. Notify your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops or experiences any of the following: abdominal pain, tenderness or discomfort, nausea, bloody, black, or tarry stools, water retention, fatigue or lethargy, a skin rash, itching, yellowing of the eyes, or unusual bruising or bleeding as these symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Before giving your pet any prescription or over-the-counter medications, check with your veterinarian or pharmacist. See Deramaxx label for complete safety information.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Deramaxx to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID, an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach, liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, fluid retention, bleeding disorders, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking a steroid medication such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, or Prednisolone.

How should Deramaxx be given?

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. The usual dose of Deramaxx in treating post-operative pain and inflammation is 1.4 - 1.8 mg/lb as a single daily dose. The usual dose of Deramaxx in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain and inflammation is 0.45 - 0.91 mg/lb as a single daily dose. Deramaxx can be given with or without food. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Do not give Deramaxx to cats.

What are the potential side effects of Deramaxx?

Contact your veterinarian if your pet has abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort, bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, unexplained weight gain, water retention, fatigue or lethargy, skin rash, itching, yellowing of eyes, or unusual bruising or bleeding as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Deramaxx and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, or hives). Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Deramaxx and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences flatulence or diarrhea, dizziness, headache, or insomnia. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Deramaxx?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Deramaxx?

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Deramaxx overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, blurred vision, little or no urine production, slow breathing, and coma.

What should I avoid while giving Deramaxx to my pet?

Many over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, and pain medicines contain aspirin or other NSAIDs similar to Deramaxx. Before giving any prescription or over-the-counter medications talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist.

What other drugs will affect Deramaxx?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given any of the following: aspirin, another NSAID such as etodolac, carprofen, or piroxicam, an over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication, warfarin, furosemide, an ACE inhibitor such as enalapril, a steroid such as prednisone, insulin, or probenecid. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Deramaxx. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving your pet any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.