Pet Owner Information
DERAMAXX Chewable Tablets are for the control of pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis or following orthopedic surgery.
This summary contains important information about DERAMAXX tablets. You should read this information before starting your dog on DERAMAXX tablets. This sheet is provided only as a summary and does not take the place of instructions from your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian if you do not understand any of this information or you want to know more about DERAMAXX tablets.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
What is
DERAMAXX?
What kind of results can I expect when my dog takes DERAMAXX
tablets for postoperative orthopedic pain and
inflammation?
What kind of results can I expect when my dog takes DERAMAXX
tablets for pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis?
What dogs should not take DERAMAXX tablets?
DERAMAXX tablets should only be given to
dogs.
What to discuss with your veterinarian before giving
DERAMAXX tablets.
How to give DERAMAXX tablets to your dog.
What are the possible side effects that may occur in my dog
during therapy with DERAMAXX tablets?
Can DERAMAXX tablets be given with other
medications?
What can I do in case my dog eats more than the prescribed
amount of DERAMAXX tablets?
What else should I know about DERAMAXX
tablets?
WHAT IS DERAMAXX?
DERAMAXX tablets are a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class. They are indicated for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic (bone) surgery in dogs and for the control of pain and inflammation (soreness) associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. The tablets are flavored to make administration more convenient.
What kind of results can I expect when my dog takes DERAMAXX tablets for postoperative orthopedic pain and inflammation?
DERAMAXX tablets allow your dog to recover more comfortably by controlling pain and inflammation that follow orthopedic surgery.
- Control of pain and inflammation may vary from dog to dog.
- If DERAMAXX tablets are not given according to your veterinarian's directions, your dog's pain may return.
- Consult your veterinarian if your dog appears to be uncomfortable.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT WHEN MY DOG TAKES DERAMAXX TABLETS FOR PAIN AND INFLAMMATION DUE TO OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis is a painful condition caused by damage to cartilage and other parts of the joint that may result in the following changes or signs in your dog:
- Limping or lameness
- Decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities)
- Stiffness or decreased movement of joints
While DERAMAXX is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it can control the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and improve your dog's mobility. Response may vary from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic.
- If DERAMAXX is discontinued or is not given as directed, your dog's pain and inflammation may come back.
WHAT DOGS SHOULD NOT TAKE DERAMAXX TABLETS?
Your dog should not be given DERAMAXX tablets if s/he:
- Has had an allergic reaction to deracoxib, the active ingredient in DERAMAXX tablets
- Has had an allergic reaction (such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin) to aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Is presently taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or corticosteroids (unless directed by your veterinarian)
- Has bloody stool or vomit
- Has a pre-existing kidney or liver condition
- Has any condition predisposing to dehydration
- Is anorexic (loss of appetite)
DERAMAXX TABLETS SHOULD ONLY BE GIVEN TO DOGS.
People should not take DERAMAXX tablets. Keep DERAMAXX tablets and all medication out of reach of children. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take DERAMAXX tablets.
WHAT TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE GIVING DERAMAXX TABLETS.
Tell your veterinarian about:
- Any side effects your dog has experienced from DERAMAXX tablets or other NSAIDs
- Any digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea) your dog has had
- Any kidney disease your dog has had
- Any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had in the past
- All medications that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without prescription and any dietary supplements
- If you plan to breed your dog, or if your dog is pregnant or nursing
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- The orthopedic surgery your dog will undergo
- What tests might be done before surgery is performed or DERAMAXX tablets are prescribed
- The signs of pain or inflammation that may occur after surgery
- Normal events that can be expected after your dog undergoes surgery
- The proper amount of exercise after surgery to aid recovery
- The signs of osteoarthritis you have observed (for example, limping or stiffness)
- The importance of weight control, physical therapy and exercise in the management of osteoarthritis
- How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian
- The risks and benefits of using DERAMAXX tablets
HOW TO GIVE DERAMAXX TABLETS TO YOUR DOG.
DERAMAXX tablets should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of DERAMAXX tablets is right for your dog and for how long they should be given. Do not change the way you give DERAMAXX tablets to your dog without first speaking with your veterinarian. DERAMAXX tablets should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food, although with food is preferable.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS THAT MAY OCCUR IN MY DOG DURING THERAPY WITH DERAMAXX TABLETS?
DERAMAXX tablets, like all other drugs, may cause some side effects in individual dogs. These are normally mild, but rare serious side effects have been reported in dogs taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including DERAMAXX. Serious side effects can, in rare situations, result in death. It is important to stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog may have a medical problem or side effect while on DERAMAXX tablets. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk with your veterinarian or call 1-800-332-2761.
Look for the following side effects that may indicate that your dog is having a problem with DERAMAXX tablets or may have another medical problem:
- Vomiting
- Change in bowel movements such as diarrhea or change in stool color
- Change in drinking or urination
- Decrease in appetite
- Change in behavior, such as depression or restlessness
CAN DERAMAXX TABLETS BE GIVEN WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS?
DERAMAXX tablets should not be given with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids (for example, aspirin, carprofen, etodolac, prednisone), unless directed by your veterinarian.
Tell your veterinarian about all medications that you have given your dog in the past, and any medications that you are planning to give with DERAMAXX tablets. This should include any medications that you can get without a prescription and any dietary supplements. Your veterinarian may want to evaluate the potential for any drug interactions and to assure drug compatability.
WHAT CAN I DO IN CASE MY DOG EATS MORE THAN THE PRESCRIBED AMOUNT OF DERAMAXX TABLETS?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats more than the prescribed amount of DERAMAXX tablets.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT DERAMAXX TABLETS?
This sheet provides a summary of information about DERAMAXX tablets. If you have any questions or concerns about DERAMAXX tablets, postoperative orthopedic pain and inflammation, or osteoarthritis, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medications, DERAMAXX tablets should only be given to the dog for which they are prescribed. They should be given to your dog only for the condition for which they were prescribed, at the prescribed dose, as directed by your veterinarian. It is important to periodically discuss your dog’s response to DERAMAXX tablets at regular checkups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your dog is responding as expected and if your dog should continue receiving DERAMAXX tablets.
NADA 141-203, Approved by FDA
©2003 Novartis Animal
Health US, Inc.
NAH/DXB-T/CI/3
11/03
