EQUIOXX (firocoxib) has been the only coxib non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved for use in horses. Now, this once-daily treatment to control joint pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis, is approved by the FDA in tablet form, and it will be available in the market early fall.
EQUIOXX is the only NSAID approved for use up to 14 days by both the AQHA and USEF1,2† and now gives the choice of three formulations, depending on the specific need of the horse. Injection is best to initiate therapy, while the Paste is a convenient form for accurate dosing, especially for small horses and performance horses. And now, Tablets are easy to administer, with or without feed.
“Veterinarians and horse owners have been waiting for a tablet option o from Merial,” said Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, Manager, Merial Large Animal Veterinary Services.
“The FDA approval process is very stringent, and we are proud to bring this new tablet formulation to market for horses. Having all three formulations allows for consistent therapy with the same active ingredient.”
“When a horse needs relief from osteoarthritis at home or at a show, owners should partner with their veterinarians to determine the best treatment options, be diligent about choosing the right formulations, and follow dosing directions,” said Cheramie. He noted that when it comes to giving medications to performance horses, owners, trainers and veterinarians should read the rules specific to each association or show, ensuring they are in compliance.
EQUIOXX Tablets will be available by prescription only. Veterinarians are encouraged to reach out to their Merial Sales Representatives to get more details about the upcoming availability of this new formulation.
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
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
† EQUIOXX Injection may be used for five of the 14 days.
1 American Quarter Horse Association. Conditionally permitted therapeutic medications.
Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations. 2016:45-48.
2 United States Equestrian Federation. Guidelines for Drugs and Medications. 2015:8-9.
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