PREVICOX WARNING - Please Read Entire Thread!!!!

[stedmansmommy]

I wanted to post this here for everyone to read. As alot of you may know, Tatum has Luxating Patella in both back legs and needs surgery. Lately she has been in pain due to her having LP, so almost a month ago I called my vet and asked that he prescribe her some pain meds to help control the pain and keep her comfortable. He agreed and gave her a bottle of Previcox. He only gave me 7 pills (well, not even 7 to be exact - because the pills are more than halved) - anyway, as of today (because I gave her a pain pill this morning as she was hurting - but this was BEFORE I found out what I did about PREVICOX) she has taken all but one of the pills in the bottle.

Well, my aunt told me a while back about a local grocery store in town that will fill dog prescriptions for half the price if you bring in the prescription from your vet. So, I called the grocery store today to see if the medications that Tatum is on is available through them. The first medication she said they do have, but when I mentioned the second one (Previcox) she said that she had never heard of it and that I should call my vet and get the "real" name of the medication (as some of you many know, there are several different names used for the same drug). Anyway, before I called them I figured that I would go ahead and search for it online (from my Blackberry, because my computer was messed up) - and anyway, the very *first* web site that it pulled up was entitled: "DEATH BY PREVICOX" and I immediately started to panic. I couldn't click on the link fast enough.

I read the entire article on my Blackberry and was shaking the entire time. I had JUST given Tatum a Previcox pill this morning, prior to reading this article. I know that she had taken 6 Previcox pills prior to this morning's pill, but I felt like I had just fed my baby poisoning. I had NO idea of the side effects and the number of dogs that this medication has killed. And to think I almost re-ordered another bottle of this medication - I cannot believe it. I am so GRATEFUL that I found this article when I did. There was only one Previcox pill left in her bottle and it is now in the trash.

This article really opened my eyes. I am going to try and make this as short as possible, but back in January of 2006 we lost our Cocker Spaniel who was approx. 13 years old (we were unsure of her age as she was a rescue). She did have Cancer and an enlarged heart, however she showed no signs of being sick. The day my vet diagnosed the Cancer and the Enlarged Heart, he gave her 2 prescription medications (NEITHER of them were Previcox - don't want to confuse anyone here). I immediately went home and gave the meds as my VET instructed me to. I WAS ONLY DOING WHAT THE VET TOLD ME TO DO. As an owner, this is all we know. WE TAKE THE ADVICE OF OUR VETS.

Later that very night, she had her first heart attack. I was in my bedroom and I heard her HOWLING like a wolf (I had never in my entire life heard her make a sound like this before - ever.) - I walked into my living room and she was laying flat on her side with all four legs stuck out straight, stiff as a board and she had her head cocked back as far as it could go - and she was just HOWLING. I ran to her and hugged her dropped to the floor and started shaking and sobbing not knowing what in the WORLD was going on with her. This was at 2 a.m. and I called my vet and woke him up at home and he FLEW to his office. He told me that she was indeed having a heart attack. Mind you, before we left for the vets she had 2 more heart attacks here at home.

So, she stayed at the vets office over night. The next morning she was scheduled to have surgery (this surgery was scheduled BEFORE the heart attacks started) as they were going to remove the Cancerous growth that was on the under side of her stomach. She made it through the night at the vet's o.k. and the next morning they preformed the surgery. They insured me that they would call me right after the surgery was complete and let me know how she was doing. But, me being the impatient person that I am when it comes to my babies, I went ahead and called up there myself just to check on her. The receptionist asked for my name and asked for my dog's name and when I told her she said, "Oh........(pause)......hang on just one second sweetie, I am going to let you speak with the vet" - and that is when he got on the phone and told me that shortly after the surgery she had another heart attack and was turning blue. He said that they put her on oxygen and pumped her heart for 10 minutes straight trying to get her back - but she was unresponsive.

She lost oxygen to her brain and just stopped breathing. I never even got to say goodbye. The night that we rushed her to the vet after she had her first set of heart attacks, was the very last time I ever saw my baby.

Three years later my heart is still broken and I am crying as I type this. I know now, after doing much research online, that my baby died because of the MEDICATIONS that were given to her. I read online that one of the medications that she was given should NOT be given to dogs with enlarged hearts - my baby had an enlarged heart. Why did the vet NOT know this? WHY? Do they not even know the side effects of the medications that they are giving out to their patients?

Our Cocker Spaniel never had a heart attack a day in her life until this medication was given to her. This medication is what took her life in the end. Now I feel like it is MY fault because if I wouldn't of given her the medication, she wouldn't have died. She might still be here with us today. If I would have ONLY done the research BEFOREHAND. If I would have asked the vet more questions - IF ONLY.

Now she is gone and I can't ever bring her back. But I CAN say this - I BEG YOU....before you give your dog ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION please please please do your research on it first. I don't care how much you feel you trust your vet - DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. It could save your babies life.

Tatum will never again be given Previcox. Not after doing the research I've done on it and reading the things I've read about it. She could do just fine on it, but I am not going to take any chances with it, especially not with the bloody-stool episode she just has this afternoon (see this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ool-again.html).

Again - PLEASE research all meds before giving them to your babies....it really is *SO* important.

P.S. - The article about Rowdy, the Black Lab who lost his life due to Previcox, can be found here: "Death by Previcox"

[xmasbaby75]

OMG, I am so sorry this happened to you. It is so true that we are trusting our babies lives with our vets, and so many of them make mistakes - just like our Doctors do. I never just settle with my vet's diagnosis, I always get a second opinion or do my own research online. Thanks for posting this.

[YorkichonBella]

I am so glad you posted this about Previcox with details. It gave me Chills!! I remember the name so well!!! Meds are so scary these days!!
This was my post back in Aug when Bella was spayed!!
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...s-yr-baby.html
I knew very little then, but was skeptical about giving it to her. It was prescribed for pain after being spayed!! I hope little Tatum is feeling much better soon!

[MyFairLacy]

This is a link to the Previcox Information Sheet that should be given to dog owners when medication is prescribed http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141230cis.pdf

Previcox is not recommended for dogs under 12.5lbs so it really shouldn't have been prescribed to Tatum to begin with. Also, diarrhea is a side effect of Previcox so most likely the diarrhea she had today is because of the medication.

Are you planning to have Tatum's surgery done at Texas A&M?

[YorkichonBella]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

This is a link to the Previcox Information Sheet that should be given to dog owners when medication is prescribed http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141230cis.pdf

Previcox is not recommended for dogs under 12.5lbs so it really shouldn't have been prescribed to Tatum to begin with. Also, diarrhea is a side effect of Previcox so most likely the diarrhea she had today is because of the medication.

Are you planning to have Tatum's surgery done at Texas A&M?

When Bella was prescribed Previcox, I was never given an Information sheet. Her prescription was 1/4 tablet once daily as needed for pain. Thank goodness, I only gave it to her twice. It seems that alot of Vets think because they are giving a lower dosage, it's ok to give Previcox to our babies.

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

This is a link to the Previcox Information Sheet that should be given to dog owners when medication is prescribed http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141230cis.pdf

Previcox is not recommended for dogs under 12.5lbs so it really shouldn't have been prescribed to Tatum to begin with. Also, diarrhea is a side effect of Previcox so most likely the diarrhea she had today is because of the medication.

Are you planning to have Tatum's surgery done at Texas A&M?

Michelle made a very good point. previcox is not for small dogs. I'm sorry your vet gave this to Tate. Poor little thing. the diarrhea she has is probably caused from this too. give her tummy a little bit of a break and feed something bland right now. i doubt the sea meal has anything to do with it. i used to give that to morgan too (didn't find that it actually did anything tho but that's a different story).

every drug has its side effects unfortuntely. i find metacam to be the best anti-inflammatory for small dogs.

[Ellie May]

Drug side effects can be a scary thing and while there isn't a good reason to prescribe something if the patient doesn't meet the requirements for the drug, something does need to be given. In the case of joint problems, if glucosamine isn't working, you may have to give an NSAID. Since this vet has prescribed the wrong med twice, have you thought about switching?

[amandawash]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Drug side effects can be a scary thing and while there isn't a good reason to prescribe something if the patient doesn't meet the requirements for the drug, something does need to be given. In the case of joint problems, if glucosamine isn't working, you may have to give an NSAID. Since this vet has prescribed the wrong med twice, have you thought about switching?

NSAID drugs can be scary and unfortunately you are not going to get one without any possible side effects. As poor Tatum was clearly in pain, she really needed something to give her some relief. I hope you get her lp surgergy done soon so Miss Tate Tate doesn't have to be in any prolonged pain I know you are scared about doing the surgery but in the long run it will be so much better for her!

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by xmasbaby75

OMG, I am so sorry this happened to you. It is so true that we are trusting our babies lives with our vets, and so many of them make mistakes - just like our Doctors do. I never just settle with my vet's diagnosis, I always get a second opinion or do my own research online. Thanks for posting this.

You're very welcome and thank you We really do need to do our own research...I totally understand that now. Never again will I give any prescription without researching the side effects, etc. on MY OWN.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by YorkichonBella

I am so glad you posted this about Previcox with details. It gave me Chills!! I remember the name so well!!! Meds are so scary these days!!
This was my post back in Aug when Bella was spayed!!
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...s-yr-baby.html
I knew very little then, but was skeptical about giving it to her. It was prescribed for pain after being spayed!! I hope little Tatum is feeling much better soon!

You are very welcome! I really do think that alot of people need to read this as this drug seems to be commonly prescribed and alot of babies (not all) have issues with it. It's just really scary that some vets (again, not all) don't even bother to tell you about the side effects that come with it. I know all medications have side effects, but we should simply be told about them. It's very scary when some vets (like mine) don't even mention them to you

P.S. - Tatum was given Rimadyl after her spay and she did perfectly fine with it - granted, she only took it maybe twice at most.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

This is a link to the Previcox Information Sheet that should be given to dog owners when medication is prescribed http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141230cis.pdf

Previcox is not recommended for dogs under 12.5lbs so it really shouldn't have been prescribed to Tatum to begin with. Also, diarrhea is a side effect of Previcox so most likely the diarrhea she had today is because of the medication.

Are you planning to have Tatum's surgery done at Texas A&M?

Thanks so much Michele. I do know now after doing research that Tatum should never have been given this medication - and it is SO upsetting to me that she was. How could my vet (there are actually TWO vets up there) NOT know this??? I mean it's just plain SCARY. Why would they ever prescribe her a medication that shouldn't have been given to a dog in her weight bracket? It just makes me extremely angry to say the least.

As for her surgery, I am trying to decide between A&M and another place that someone told me about who's baby had LP surgery there and had great success. I think either choice would be great - just trying to make that final decision. Tatum HATES the car and the other place would be closer...but I am still not totally sure yet...

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by YorkichonBella

When Bella was prescribed Previcox, I was never given an Information sheet. Her prescription was 1/4 tablet once daily as needed for pain. Thank goodness, I only gave it to her twice. It seems that alot of Vets think because they are giving a lower dosage, it's ok to give Previcox to our babies.

I wasn't either - nor was I told ANYTHING about the drug OR the side effects that comes with it. It really upsets me...

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by kalina82

Michelle made a very good point. previcox is not for small dogs. I'm sorry your vet gave this to Tate. Poor little thing. the diarrhea she has is probably caused from this too. give her tummy a little bit of a break and feed something bland right now. i doubt the sea meal has anything to do with it. i used to give that to morgan too (didn't find that it actually did anything tho but that's a different story).

every drug has its side effects unfortuntely. i find metacam to be the best anti-inflammatory for small dogs.

I am sorry too girl I wish I could go back in time...I would have spoke up had I known any better - STUPID me Thank goodness I know now though - and the last pill she had is long gone. She will not be given Previcox ever again. I am just so upset that they even gave this to her...they should have known better

Metacam...do you think it would help with the pain caused by LP? What about baby Aspirin? She doesn't need a pain med EVERY day....maybe about once (sometimes twice) a week when she is having a bad day. Most days she is fine...but every once in a while I need some type of pain medication that I can give to her if needed.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Drug side effects can be a scary thing and while there isn't a good reason to prescribe something if the patient doesn't meet the requirements for the drug, something does need to be given. In the case of joint problems, if glucosamine isn't working, you may have to give an NSAID. Since this vet has prescribed the wrong med twice, have you thought about switching?

It's funny, my vet is "SUPPOSED" to be the best vet in town.....go figure I'll be doing my own research on that one, too. You better believe I will be looking for a new vet. I am just wondering if it is a "common thing" for vets to be this way? It's really a shame...

I agree that she needs SOMETHING...I have to give her something when she is in pain...I can't just let her lay there and suffer...but my vet should have KNOWN BETTER. To give her a mediciation that shouldn't even be given to dogs her size just TICKS me off to no end.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by amandawash

NSAID drugs can be scary and unfortunately you are not going to get one without any possible side effects. As poor Tatum was clearly in pain, she really needed something to give her some relief. I hope you get her lp surgergy done soon so Miss Tate Tate doesn't have to be in any prolonged pain I know you are scared about doing the surgery but in the long run it will be so much better for her!

Oh girl I know, TRUST ME I know. *Every* drug has it's side effects - but it is VERY upsetting to me that I was not even told about the side effects of this particular medication. This is something that the vet should have automatically done without my having to ask. He could have simply told me, or have given me a print out or wrote it in the vet's notes or whatever....just SOMETHING, anything....but I was told absolutely NOTHING.

It also really upsets me knowing that this medication should not be given to dogs who are under a certain weight bracket, and Tatum IS UNDER that weight bracket.

These are common things that any VET should know and I am extremely upset that these things were obviously totally overlooked and caused issues with my baby.

I can pull this information up on the internet in a matter of seconds, the vet should know it off the top of his head. It is just upsetting to me that I feel I can't trust my own vet to prescribe my babies a simple medication now. We are supposed to be able to turn to them for HELP - and now I feel like I have to question everything and I don't like that feeling. Oh well, I guess that's just the way it is these days

As for her surgery....I am trying to decide now exactly where I want to take her. I have got over the "being scared to death" part (well ok, not REALLY) - but I know that this surgery has to be done...cause if it's not, I am only hurting her. I am just trying to decide where I want to take her and I have it narrowed down to two different places. So, once I make my mind up and get the surgery scheduled, it will probably be several weeks before she can get in, I'm guessing. In the meantime though, I do need a pain medication that I can give her on her odd "bad day". She doesn't *always* need a pain med - I don't give them to her every day....probably once a week, sometimes twice a week at the very most. Most days she is completely fine and plays and acts totally normal. Anyway, just trying to find her a pain medication for "in the meantime" - something that she isn't going to have issues with.