Firocoxib (Equioxx)
Equioxx · Previcox (dogs) · generic firocoxib (veterinary)
Firocoxib is a COX-2-selective anti-inflammatory approved for horses as Equioxx, for osteoarthritis pain, and for dogs as Previcox. It is gentler on the stomach and kidneys than bute, which makes it the usual choice for long-term arthritis in horses. It is veterinary-only; generic firocoxib tablets now compete with the brand.
What it is used for
Firocoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme that drives inflammation while sparing much of the COX-1 activity that protects the stomach lining and kidney blood flow. In horses it is approved for the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and is given once a day as a tablet, paste or injection, dosed by weight, for up to fourteen days on label and longer under veterinary direction. In dogs Previcox treats arthritis and post-operative pain.
Because it is once-daily and easier on the gut, vets choose it over bute for older horses on long-term treatment, and for horses prone to ulcers. Side effects are fewer than with bute but the same cautions apply: mouth ulcers, reduced appetite and loose manure warrant a call.
Safety points that differ from human use
- The dog product (Previcox) and the horse product (Equioxx) contain the same drug at different strengths; the horse tablet is the approved form for horses and the dose must not be guessed from the dog product.
- Never combine with bute, flunixin or a corticosteroid.
- Not for horses intended for food, and withdrawal rules apply before competition.
- Tablets (Equioxx)
- Oral paste (Equioxx)
- Injection (vet use)
- Chewable tablets (Previcox, dogs)
- 57 mg horse tablets
- 57 and 227 mg dog chewables
Why the cash price varies
Equioxx tablets were single-manufacturer for years; generic firocoxib tablets for horses are now approved and cost sellers less, so a prescription that allows substitution changes the quote. The paste costs more per dose than tablets. As a veterinary-only product it is sold by vets, equine pharmacies and the human pharmacies that stock veterinary products, each at its own margin.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet to write the prescription generically and to allow substitution.
- Ask for tablets rather than paste if your horse takes them in feed.
- For long-term use, ask for the largest pack size appropriate.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock; pharmacies that carry or can order veterinary products can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Firocoxib or bute for my horse, and why?
- How long can my horse stay on it, and what monitoring is needed?
- Is a generic available?
- What signs should make me stop and call?
- What withdrawal time applies before competition?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s firocoxib (equioxx) prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s firocoxib (equioxx) prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book)
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
- Merck Veterinary Manual
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.