Previcox (firocoxib) is a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and orthopaedic surgery in dogs. Its COX-2 selectivity means it provides effective pain relief with a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects than older NSAIDs.

Price Comparison

Previcox tablets (per month supply for a medium dog, 57mg daily):

  • From your vet: £25–£55 per month
  • Online pharmacies (with prescription): £15–£32 per month
  • Prescription fee: £10–£25

Previcox comes in 57mg and 227mg tablets. The 227mg tablets can be split for medium and large dogs, making them more economical per mg. Online savings of 40–50% are typical.

What Does Previcox Treat?

  • Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation in dogs
  • Post-operative pain following orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery

Species and Forms

  • Dogs only: Chewable tablets in 57mg and 227mg sizes
  • Dosing: 5mg/kg once daily
  • Not licensed for cats — cats should not be given Previcox

Side Effects

  • Gastrointestinal issues: vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, and rarely gastric ulceration
  • Kidney effects: long-term NSAID use requires regular kidney monitoring (blood tests every 6–12 months)
  • Liver effects: occasional elevated liver enzymes — monitor with blood tests
  • Should not be used in dogs with kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or GI ulceration
  • Should not be combined with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids

Previcox vs Metacam

  • Efficacy: Both are effective; some dogs respond better to one or the other
  • Form: Previcox is a chewable tablet; Metacam is a liquid (easier to dose precisely)
  • COX-2 selectivity: Previcox is more COX-2 selective, theoretically offering better GI safety
  • Price: Previcox is typically slightly more expensive than Metacam/Loxicom

Prescription Requirements

Previcox is POM-V. Obtain a written prescription to buy from online pharmacies at 40–50% less than vet prices.

How to Save

  • Written prescription: Save 40–50% by buying online
  • 227mg tablets split: Splitting larger tablets is often cheaper per mg than buying 57mg tablets
  • Compare Metacam/Loxicom: If your dog tolerates meloxicam, generic Loxicom is cheaper
  • Compare pharmacy prices: Use VetCost to compare across pharmacies

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: VMD product datasheet, CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost pharmacy data.