OstiMax (Deracoxib) 25mg Chewable Tablets

OstiMax Chewable Tablets can be used to manage pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis or after orthopedic and dental procedures. OstiMax, a potent NSAID with deracoxib as the active ingredient, has been relied upon by veterinarians for more than 15 years due to its effectiveness. The tablets have a beef flavor to make giving them easier. Intended for use in dogs via oral administration exclusively.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Please note product may arrive in a Hardy Paw Pharmacy vial, manufacturer packaging is shown for reference.

• Suitable for dogs of every size.
• Prevents the formation of the enzyme responsible for causing inflammation.
• Might taste better when consumed with food, but still acceptable to consume on its own.
• Designed to enable accurate measurement for dosage purposes
• Available in four different dosing options: 12 mg, 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg.

Dosage and Administration:

Osteoarthritis Pain and Inflammation:

OstiMax Chewable Tablets are indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

Dogs needing a dose of less than 12.5 mg can only be accurately dosed through the use of the 12 mg tablet, which can be broken in half to provide 6 mg. Do not attempt to accurately dose smaller dogs through the use of breaking larger tablets. Inaccurate dosing may result in adverse drug events.

Postoperative Orthopedic Pain and Inflammation:

OstiMax Chewable Tablets are indicated for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery in dogs.

Postoperative Orthopedic Pain and Inflammation: 1.4 – 1.8 mg/lb/day (3 to 4 mg/kg/day) as a single daily dose, as needed, not to exceed 7 days of administration.

Dogs needing a dose of less than 12.5 mg can only be accurately dosed through the use of the 12 mg tablet, which can be broken in half to provide 6 mg. Do not attempt to accurately dose smaller dogs through the use of breaking larger tablets.

Postoperative Dental Pain and Inflammation:

OstiMax Chewable Tablets are indicated for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with dental surgery in dogs.

Postoperative Dental Pain and Inflammation: 0.45 – 0.91 mg/lb/day (1 to 2 mg/kg/day) as a single daily dose, for 3 days. The first dose should be given approximately 1 hour before dental surgery and subsequent doses should be given daily for up to two additional treatments.

Dogs needing a dose of less than 12.5 mg can only be accurately dosed through the use of the 12 mg tablet, which can be broken in half to provide 6 mg. Do not attempt to accurately dose smaller dogs through the use of breaking larger tablets.

Since deracoxib chewable tablet bioavailability is greatest when taken with food, postprandial administration is preferable. However, deracoxib chewable tablets are effective under both fed and fasted conditions; therefore, they may be administered in the fasted state if necessary. For postoperative orthopedic and dental pain, administer OstiMax tablets before the procedure. Tablets are scored and dosage should be calculated in half-tablet increments. In clinical practice, it is recommended to adjust the individual patient dose while continuing to monitor the dog's status until a minimum effective dose has been reached.

Cautions:

Federal (U.S.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.

Contraindications:

Dogs with known hypersensitivity to deracoxib should not receive OstiMax.

Warnings:

Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans. For use in dogs only. Do not use it in cats.

Dogs needing a dose of less than 12.5 mg can only be accurately dosed through the use of the 12 mg tablet, which can be broken in half to provide 6 mg. Do not attempt to accurately dose smaller dogs through the use of breaking larger tablets. Inaccurate dosing may result in adverse drug events.

All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiating NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data before, and periodically during, the administration of any NSAID is recommended. Owners should be advised to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity.

Precautions:

Dogs needing a dose of less than 12.5 mg can only be accurately dosed through the use of the 12 mg tablet, which can be broken in half to provide 6 mg. Do not attempt to accurately dose smaller dogs through the use of breaking larger tablets. Inaccurate dosing may result in adverse drug events.

Since NSAIDs possess the potential to produce gastrointestinal ulceration and/or perforation, concomitant use of OstiMax tablets with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided. As a class, NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic toxicity. The following group of clinical signs have been reported with some serious gastrointestinal events, in decreasing order of reported frequency: anorexia, tachycardia, tachypnea, pyrexia, ascites, pale mucous membranes, and dyspnea. In some cases, circulatory shock, collapse, and cardiac arrest have also been reported. Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse events varies with the individual patient. Dogs that have experienced adverse reactions from one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from another NSAID. Patients at greatest risk for adverse events are those who are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with existing renal, cardiovascular, and hepatic dysfunction. Plasma levels of deracoxib may increase in a greater than dose-proportional fashion above 8 mg/kg/day. Deracoxib tablets have been safely used during field studies in conjunction with other common medications, including heartworm preventatives, anthelmintics, anesthetics, pre-anesthetic medications, and antibiotics. If additional pain medication is needed after a daily dose of OstiMax tablets, a non-NSAID/non-corticosteroid class of analgesic may be necessary. It is not known whether dogs with a history of hypersensitivity to sulfonamide drugs will exhibit hypersensitivity to OstiMax tablets. The safe use of deracoxib tablets in dogs younger than 4 months of age, dogs used for breeding, or pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated.

NSAIDs may inhibit the prostaglandins which maintain normal homeostatic function. Such anti-prostaglandin effects may result in clinically significant disease in patients with underlying or pre-existing disease that has not been previously diagnosed. Appropriate monitoring procedures should be employed during all surgical procedures. The use of parenteral fluids during surgery should be considered to decrease potential renal complications when using NSAIDs perioperatively. Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be carefully approached.

The use of concomitantly protein-bound drugs with deracoxib tablets has not been studied in dogs. Commonly used protein-bound drugs include cardiac, anticonvulsant, and behavioral medications. The influence of concomitant drugs that may inhibit the metabolism of deracoxib tablets has not been evaluated. Drug compatibility should be monitored in patients requiring adjunctive therapy. Consider appropriate washout times when switching from one NSAID to another or when switching from corticosteroid use to NSAID use.

FAQ:

What is OstiMax?

OstiMax 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) and dental 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 OstiMax tablets for postoperative orthopedic and dental pain and inflammation?

OstiMax tablets allow your dog to recover more comfortably by controlling pain and inflammation that follow orthopedic and dental surgery.

• The postoperative orthopedic pain dose is higher; administration at this dose should not exceed 7 days total, including the days the patient is administered OstiMax while in the hospital.
• Control of pain and inflammation may vary from dog to dog.
• If OstiMax 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 OstiMax 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

What dogs should not take OstiMax tablets?

Your dog should not be given OstiMax tablets if s/he:

• Has had an allergic reaction to deracoxib, the active ingredient in OstiMax 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)

OstiMax tablets should only be given to dogs. Do not use it in cats.

People should not take OstiMax tablets. Keep OstiMax tablets and all medication out of reach of children. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take OstiMax tablets.

What to discuss with your veterinarian before giving OstiMax tablets?

Tell your veterinarian about:

• Any side effects your dog has experienced from OstiMax 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 or dental surgery your dog will undergo
• What tests might be done before surgery is performed or OstiMax 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 OstiMax tablets

How to give OstiMax tablets to your dog.

OstiMax tablets should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of OstiMax tablets is right for your dog and for how long they should be given. Do not change the way you give OstiMax tablets to your dog without first speaking with your veterinarian. OstiMax tablets should be given by mouth and may be given with or without food, although with food is preferable.