Novartis Animal Health launched Onsior (robenacoxib) tablets, a three-day non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for postoperative cats, the Greensboro, N.C., company reported today. The drug is indicated for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy and castration. It is the first multidose oral NSAID to be approved for cats, Novartis reported. The drug’s short blood half-life causes the active ingredient to be quickly eliminated from the blood while persisting longer at the site of inflamed tissue, allowing for once-a-day administration for up to three days, the company reported. Side effects observed during a clinical field trial and six-month safety study included surgical site bleeding, infected surgery sites, lethargy, vomiting and inappetence. The drug is indicated for cats weighing 5.5 pounds or heavier and at least 6 months old for a maximum of three days. The drug should not be used in cats that have a hypersensitivity to robenacoxib or known intolerance to NSAIDs and should not be administered in conjunction with any other oral or injectable NSAID or corticosteroid, according to Novartis. <HOME>
