Tiffany L. Marr, D.V.M.

EQUIOXX ORAL PASTE

(FIROCOXIB)

Equioxx is an oral paste produced by Merial containing firocoxib, a coxib class of non-narcotic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).  This is the first highly cyclo-oxygenase-1 (cox-1) sparing drug approved for equine use.  This class of NSAIDs is thought to be safer than earlier NSAIDs because of the lower risk of GI irritation.

RECOMMENDED DOSE: 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) body weight daily for up to 14 consecutive days

MEDICATION UPDATE: USEF Will Allow Equioxx

The rule allowing the use of firocoxib took effect on 8/1/07.  This new rule lists firocoxib as a NSAID with a restrictive quantitative limit, and allows for a maximum permitted concentration of 0.240 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma.  The recommendation for appropriate dose and time consideration is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for its use at 0.1 milligram per kilogram of body weight once daily.  This corresponds with a 45.5-milligram dose for a 1000 lb horse and should be given no sooner than 12 hours prior to competing.  Firocoxib is permitted to be used for a period of 14 consecutive days.

Until further review by the FEI, firoxocib should not be used in a horse in the 30 days prior to competing in a FEI-sanctioned event.

PLEASE NOTE: Specific breed, showing and sport organizations may have other rules regarding this medication.  For example, firocoxib was considered a forbidden substance with the AQHA for all of 2007.

DRUG PRECAUTIONS: This medication has not been tested in horses less than one year of age or pregnant and lactating mares.  Do not use this medication with other drugs of the NSAID class. Combining NSAIDs has the potential to greatly increase the risk and severity of side effects.  Combination with diuretics may increase the risk of kidney-related side effects.

This new NSAID is costly, but may be the answer for horses that have a history of Bute and/or banamine intolerance.