Deramaxx Chewable Tablets are for
the control of pain and inflammation following orthopedic surgery in dogs.
Osteoarthritis is a painful,
degenerative disease that affects a
dog's joints. It is the most
common cause of chronic pain in
dogs. In fact, one out of five
adult dogs suffers from this
debilitating condition.
Dogs
are at risk for Osteoarthritis if they:
-Are over the age of five
-Are inactive or overweight
-Are large or giant breed dogs
-Have suffered joint injuries
-Are predisposed to developmental
orthopedic disorders such as hip or
elbow dysplasia
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. 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 dogs should not take
Deramaxx tablets?
Your dog should not be given Deramaxx
tablets if he/she:
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).
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.
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 (no longer than 7 days). 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.
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. Serious but rare side
effects have been reported in dogs taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs). 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.
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
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
compatibility.
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.
How
to tell if your dog suffers from the
everyday pain of canine Osteoarthritis.
Many
dogs are "people
pleasers". That is, they try to
hide their pain. Since you are
around your dog every day, you are the
best person to recognize the painful signs
of Osteoarthritis in your dog.
Watch
for these signs:
-Reluctance to climb stairs
-Difficulty jumping into a vehicle
-Stiffness after strenuous exercise or
after the rest period following exercise
-Limping
-Difficulty rising, sitting or squatting
to defecate or urinate
-Changes in behavior
-Loss of appetite
And
be aware that these signs may come and go.
There
is no cure for Osteoarthritis. But
early detection and careful management can
reduce your pet's pain and improve his
quality of life.
If
you notice any signs of pain, notify your
veterinarian. Because dogs often act
differently in the clinic setting, your
veterinarian may not see the same
behaviors and signs you observe at home.
Providing
pain control is an important first step.
Your
veterinarian may also recommend:
-Proper nutrition and weight management
-Regular, low-impact exercise
-Regular examinations
Deramaxx
can improve the quality of life for you
and your dog.
-Deramaxx
effectively controls pain and inflammation
-Pain-free
dogs may be more active and less likely to
become overweight
-Deramaxx
controls the pain of Osteoarthritis
associated with walking, climbing,
standing, and sitting.
-Deramaxx
makes your pet more comfortable, ensuring
more refreshing rest and sleep.
How
Deramaxx works
Deramaxx
belongs to the same class of NSAIDs
(including Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra)
that have dramatically improved the
treatment of arthritis and acute pain in
people. They work by targeting the
source of Osteoarthritis inflammation and
pain.
Clinical
trials have proven Deramaxx safely and
effectively controls the pain and
inflammation of Osteoarthritis.
As
with all drugs, side effects may
occur. These are normally mild, but
may be serious. In a field study,
the most common side effects were
gastrointestinal signs. Dogs should
be evaluated for pre-existing medical conditions
before beginning any new medication and
monitored during therapy. See full
product insert for details.
How
to administer Deramaxx to your dog
Deramaxx:
-Is
a tasty beefy-flavored chewable tablet
that dogs readily accept
-Is
available in three sizes: 25 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg
-Can
be given with or without food
Your
veterinarian will determine which dose is
right for your dog and tell you how to
administer it.
It's
important to monitor your dog's recovery
and keep your veterinarian informed of
your dog's progress.
Dosage and Administration
The daily dose of Deramaxx tablets for
postoperative orthopedic pain is 3 to 4 mg/kg/day (1.4 - 1.8 mg/lb/day) as a
single daily dose, as needed for 7 days. Since Deramaxx tablet
bioavailability is greatest when taken with food, postprandial administration is
preferable. However, Deramaxx tablets have been shown to be effective
under both fed and fasted conditions; therefore, they may be administered in the
fasted state if necessary. Administer Deramaxx tablets prior to 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.
Product Information Provided by
Novartis Animal Health.
©Novartis Animal Health