Novartis Animal Health U.S. Inc.’s Deramaxx (deracoxib) received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with dental surgery in dogs, the company reported today. Deramaxx was previously approved for the control and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis, and a clinical field study of 62 dogs showed the product to also be effective for canine dental surgery pain and inflammation. Dogs in the study received either a placebo or 1-to-2 mg of Deramaxx per kg of body weight at least one hour prior to surgery, and again for two more days. Among dogs that received Deramaxx, 14.8 percent required additional pain medication compared with 66.7 percent of dogs that received the placebo. The study used a modification of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale to assess and measure pain prior to surgery and again at regular intervals following dental extractions. Side effects that are normally mild, but possibly serious, involving the digestive system, kidneys or liver may occur with the use of Deramaxx, the company said. The product should not be used with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids. <Home>
