Firocoxib (Equioxx)

Equioxx · Previcox (dogs) · generic firocoxib (veterinary)

Horses Dogs Veterinary-only product; sold through vets and pharmacies that stock veterinary productsWhich pet medicines a pharmacy can fill Medicines for dogs

Firocoxib is a COX-2-selective anti-inflammatory approved for horses as Equioxx, for the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, and for dogs as Previcox. The vet may choose it for a horse that needs longer-term arthritis treatment. It is veterinary-only, and FDA has approved generic firocoxib tablets for horses.

What it is used for

Firocoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme that drives inflammation while sparing much of the COX-1 activity that helps protect the stomach lining. 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 given once a day and is COX-2 selective, vets may choose it over bute for older horses on long-term treatment and for horses prone to ulcers. The same cautions apply as with bute: mouth ulcers, reduced appetite and loose manure warrant a call.

Giving it to your pet

How to give it: Once a day, as paste or tablets, with or without feed, at the dose for your horse’s weight; a weight tape helps estimate it.
If you miss a dose: Give it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose; in that case skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Never give two doses at once to catch up.
Storage: At room temperature, out of reach of children and animals.
Call your vet if you see: Call your vet for reduced appetite, colic, diarrhea, mouth ulcers or dullness. Never combine it with another anti-inflammatory.

Your vet’s instructions and the label on your pet’s medicine take priority over this general information.

Safety points that differ from human use

The dog product (Previcox) and the horse products (Equioxx) contain the same drug but are labeled for different species; the vet sets the horse’s dose, and it must not be worked out from the dog product.
Never combine with bute, flunixin or a corticosteroid.
Not for horses intended for food, and withdrawal rules apply before competition.

Forms

Tablets (Equioxx)
Oral paste (Equioxx)
Injection (vet use)
Chewable tablets (Previcox, dogs)

Strengths

57 mg horse tablets
57 and 227 mg dog chewables

Why the cash price varies

The vet, equine pharmacies and pharmacies that carry veterinary products each set their own price for firocoxib, so quotes for the same prescription can differ. FDA has approved generic firocoxib tablets for horses alongside Equioxx, so whether the prescription allows substitution changes which products can be quoted, and the paste and the tablets are separate products.

Where to get Firocoxib (Equioxx)

Firocoxib (Equioxx) is a veterinary medicine, dispensed through your vet or a veterinary pharmacy, so it is not something a regular pharmacy can quote on here. See which pet medicines a regular pharmacy can fill.

How to pay less

Ask the vet whether the prescription can allow a generic firocoxib tablet.
Ask the vet whether tablets or paste suit your horse, and compare quotes for both.
For long-term use, ask the vet about the largest pack size appropriate.
If the pharmacy can supply only a generic or a different form, the pharmacist may contact your vet; only the vet can change the prescription.
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?

Compare: Bute vs Equioxx for horses: anti-inflammatories compared

Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.

Sources

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’s 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.