Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the FDA approval of a new quarterable version of its canine anti-inflammatory medication, PREVICOX (firocoxib), designed to facilitate customized dosing for dogs as small as seven pounds. This redesign was announced on October 7, 2026, and features a double-scored Snap-Tab that allows each tablet to be split into four parts without altering the drug's formulation.
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The updated PREVICOX tablets maintain existing strengths of 57 mg and 227 mg, but the new double scoring makes it easier for veterinarians to provide tailored doses based on a dog’s body weight. This can be especially beneficial for smaller canine patients, as it reduces the difficulty in achieving appropriate dosages with higher fixed-dose strengths.
PREVICOX is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and postoperative conditions in dogs. The quarterable design allows for more precise dosing, providing incremental portions of 14.25 mg from the 57 mg tablet and 56.75 mg from the 227 mg tablet. Such flexibility may streamline the medication administration process for pet owners and veterinarians alike.
The quarterable configuration presents new dosing options without introducing new tablet strengths. This could simplify inventory management for veterinary teams while expanding the medication's utility for a wider range of canine patients. Additionally, a clearly scored tablet design may improve client adherence to prescribed dosing regimens, which is crucial for patients managing chronic conditions.
The new PREVICOX tablets are also designed to minimize waste and enhance convenience. Once a tablet is quartered, the remaining pieces can be stored in their original packaging for up to one month, allowing for efficient management of medication supplies, especially for smaller dogs requiring only partial doses.
Boehringer Ingelheim will transition to a new packaging design that eliminates cotton from containers and adopts a taller, round bottle format, while preserving key features such as the medication’s formulation and child-resistant packaging.
The rollout of the redesigned PREVICOX tablets will occur gradually throughout 2026 and into 2027, starting with 60-count bottles of the existing strengths. Veterinary practices may see both the old and new versions of the medication during the transition period, highlighting the importance of ensuring correct dispensing and prescription instructions to avoid administration errors. The approval and updates reflect the ongoing commitment to safe and effective pain management for dogs, particularly for those requiring individualized treatments.