Newsdate: Wed 31 August 2016 – 07:30 am
Location: DULUTH, Georgia

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically used to treat conditions such as the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis.¹ Unlike NSAIDs used in human medicine, like ibuprofen, which can be purchased over-the-counter, NSAIDs in equine medicine are only available with a veterinarian’s prescription.

Complex issues in prescribing NSAIDs for horses

Horse owners and trainers have access to NSAIDs through their veterinarian with a prescription, and the veterinarian should be involved every time when determining if an NSAID should be used.

When prescribing an NSAID, your veterinarian will consider the type needed for the horse’s specific ailment. Each horse and each ailment is treated separately, depending on the horse’s individual response to the treatment.² Fortunately, veterinarians have options when prescribing NSAIDs³ and will prescribe the best option for each individual horse.

Veterinarians will take into account the ailment, age of the horse, activity level of the horse and the route of administration – some NSAIDs are available in injection, topicals, paste, powder or tablets.

While non-coxib NSAIDS have been used for years to treat equine osteoarthritis, EQUIOXX (firocoxib) is the only coxib NSAID approved for horses, and it controls the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis.⁴ 

Horse owners and trainers have access to NSAIDs through their veterinarian with a prescription, and the veterinarian should be involved every time when determining if an NSAID should be used. Here are a few questions to ask your veterinarian if he or she determines an NSAID is needed:

1. What is the correct dosage and route of administration? 
2. How often should the medication be administered? 
3. When should I stop giving the medication? 
4. How long before the medication takes effect? 
5. Are there any side effects to this medication?
6. Should this medication be given with any other medications?

When giving any NSAID, it’s important to check dosage and administration guidelines. Talk to your veterinarian about NSAID options for your horse.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

As with any prescription medication, prior to use, a veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review the horse’s medical history. A veterinarian should advise horse owners to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity.

As a class, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. EQUIOXX has not been tested in horses less than 1 year of age or in breeding horses, or pregnant or lactating mares. For additional information, please refer to the prescribing information or visit www.equioxx.com.

About Merial

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products that focus on disease prevention and overall health and wellness in animals. Merial has three main business areas: pets, farm animals, and veterinary public health, and our health solutions target more than 200 diseases and conditions across a variety of species. Merial employs 6,900 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide with over €2.5 billion of sales in 2015. Merial is a Sanofi company. For more information, please see www.merial.com; @Merial.

¹United States Equestrian Federation. NSAIDs and Your Horse.Accessed July 16, 2015.
²Current Use of Analgesics for Colic. Accessed February 1, 2016.
³Andrews F, McConnico R. Cause for concern: Evidence that therapeutic dosing of nonselective NSAIDs contributes to gastrointestinal injury. Equine Vet Education. 2009;21(12):663-664.
⁴EQUIOXX product label.