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Trocoxil® (Mavacoxib)

Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024

Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.

What is Trocoxil®?

Trocoxil® (Mavacoxib) is a medication commonly used for managing pain and inflammation in dogs with degenerative joint disease. Trocoxil is available in a range of chewable tablet strengths, including 30mg, 75mg, and 95mg. Your veterinarian will choose the appropriate concentration based on what is most suitable for your pet's needs.

How does it work?

Trocoxil® is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) containing Mavacoxib as the active ingredient. Mavacoxib works by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase pathway (COX), with a preference for COX-2. This action helps in reducing pain and inflammation.

Dose and Administration

Follow your veterinarian’s directions or the instructions on the drug label for dosage and administration. Give with food either immediately before or during the dog’s main meal.

Trocoxil is not a daily treatment. It is given monthly after two initial loading doses given 14 days apart. This regime is generally not advised to exceed seven consecutive doses (approximately 6.5 months). The tablet should be given as soon as it is removed from the blister pack.

Overdose:

Although Trocoxil® has a wide safety margin it is important to look out for signs that could indicate an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose may include loss of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting.

If you suspect an overdose, or if a child may have accidentally eaten Trocoxil, contact your veterinarian or the New Zealand National Poisons Centre (www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or 0800 869 738).

Contraindications and Precautions

If your pet has previously demonstrated sensitivity to NSAIDs, it is generally advised to use Trocoxil with caution. It is also recommended to be cautious in conjunction with other NSAIDs or steroids. Special consideration is advised for dogs with pre-existing conditions such as cardiac, hepatic, or renal diseases, as well as those suffering from dehydration or bleeding disorders. Additionally, the safety of Trocoxil in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs has not yet been confirmed. While this information is intended to guide you, always prioritise the advice and directions of your veterinarian for your pet's specific healthcare needs.

Potential Side Effects

Possible side effects of Trocoxil® can include vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition, more uncommon side effects that could occur include apathy (lack of interest) and loss of appetite and in very rare cases renal disorders. If observed, it is important to consult your veterinarian.

Storage

Store Trocoxil® at room temperature, away from light and moisture. It is important to keep the tablets away from children and other animals. It is vital to keep this medication away from children as accidental ingestion can lead to serious gastrointestinal upset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Trocoxil® be used for cats?

  • Trocoxil® is typically used in dogs. For options suitable for your cat, your vet can provide the best guidance and recommendations.

How long does it take for Trocoxil to start working?

  • Trocoxil® typically reaches therapeutic levels within one hour of administration, but it's important to remember that every pet is different. Therefore, discussing the expected response time and effectiveness of Trocoxil® with your veterinarian is important.

Why is Trocoxil® only given once a month?

  • A distinctive feature of Mavacoxib is its prolonged half-life in the body. This means it stays active and effective for a longer period compared to many other NSAIDs. Due to this extended duration of action, a monthly dose is usually sufficient to maintain therapeutic levels of the drug in the dog's system.

Conclusion

We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Trocoxil® for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.