Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Discover all you need to know about Cimalgex® in our FAQs below.
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Cimalgex contains Cimicoxib, which is a member of the coxib group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It works by specifically blocking the action of cyclo-oxygenase two, an enzyme known for its role in promoting inflammation.
By inhibiting this enzyme, Cimicoxib helps reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis in dogs. This targeted mechanism makes Cimicoxib a valuable therapeutic option for managing inflammatory diseases in veterinary medicine.
Cimalgex is formulated exclusively for dogs. It is tailored to address their specific needs in managing pain and inflammation associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and peri-operative discomfort following orthopaedic or soft tissue surgeries.
Designed as chewable tablets with a pork flavour, Cimalgex ensures ease of administration and acceptance by dogs, facilitating precise dosing through its multi-scored design.
Cimalgex is available in three tablet sizes: 8 mg, 30 mg, and 80 mg.
These tablets are specifically designed to cater to dogs of various sizes and weight ranges, providing flexibility in dosing for effective management of pain and inflammation.
Yes, Cimalgex tablets can be split.
The 8 mg tablets can be halved, the 30 mg tablets can be divided into thirds, and the 80 mg tablets can be split into quarters.
This flexibility allows for precise dosing tailored to the specific needs of dogs.
The recommended dosage for Cimalgex is two milligrams per kilogram of body weight, administered orally once daily.
The tablets are designed with break-lines that allow them to be divided into halves, thirds, or quarters, depending on the tablet strength (8 mg, 30 mg, or 80 mg). The choice of the most suitable tablet type or tablet parts is determined by the veterinarian based on the individual circumstances of each dog, ensuring accurate dosing without the risk of under- or overdosing.
Cimalgex should not be administered to dogs younger than 10 weeks of age. This restriction is in place because the safety of the medicinal product has not been adequately demonstrated in very young animals.
For puppies aged less than 6 months, careful monitoring is advised during treatment with Cimalgex to ensure their well-being and to promptly address any potential adverse effects.
No, Cimalgex tablets can be administered with or without food.
This flexibility allows for convenient dosing according to your dog’s preference and routine, making it easier to administer the medication as needed.
Cimalgex tablets are pork-flavoured, which makes them highly palatable and likely to be accepted voluntarily by most dogs.
There is no available information regarding the crushing of Cimalgex tablets and mixing them with food, nor is this method mentioned in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), making it an off-label use. However, Cimalgex tablets are flavoured and studies indicate that they are generally accepted voluntarily by most dogs.
Cimalgex is licensed for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Additionally, it is approved for managing peri-operative pain caused by orthopaedic or soft tissue surgeries.
This medication provides effective relief from these conditions, helping to improve the comfort and mobility of dogs undergoing treatment.
For peri-operative use, administer one dose of Cimalgex two hours prior to the surgery.
The subsequent duration of treatment, ranging from 3 to 7 days, should be determined by the a veterinarian based on their assessment of the dog’s condition and response to the medication.
For arthritis, Cimalgex can be used initially for up to 6 months as stated. For longer-term treatment beyond this period, it’s essential to conduct regular monitoring under the guidance of a veterinarian.
This ensures that the medication continues to effectively manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis while minimising potential side effects and adjusting the treatment plan as needed to maintain the dog’s quality of life.
Avoid using Cimalgex in dogs with gastrointestinal disorders or haemorrhagic disorders to prevent potential exacerbation of these conditions. It’s crucial to assess the dog’s health status and determine the most suitable treatment options in such cases.
Avoid using Cimalgex in animals with impaired cardiac, renal, or hepatic function, as it may pose additional risks.
If there is no alternative and its use is necessary, ensure careful monitoring by a veterinarian to mitigate potential complications.
Any remaining half tablets should be discarded after storing them for two days in their original blister packaging. This helps ensure the efficacy and safety of the medication for your pet.
Cimalgex should not be administered to breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals. This precaution is based on the lack of adequate safety data regarding the use of the medication in these specific groups. It is essential to avoid its use during these periods to ensure the well-being of both the mother and her offspring.
Cimalgex is specifically formulated for use in dogs only.
There is no data available to support its use in cats, and it is not recommended for feline patients.
Cimalgex® references
1.
Cimalgex® Summary of Product Characteristics.
2.
E. Benizeau: Comparative evaluation of the acceptance of four NSAIDs in adult dogs. Vetoquinol study number n° V3008T9F1/R.
3.
R. Ollier, M. Schneider: Evaluation of the absolute bioavailability, and of the linearity of the kinetics of Cimicoxib in dogs, following a single oral administration of a tablet at a dose of 1, 2 and 4mg/ kg, and influence of food on the bioavailability; 2008, Vetoquinol study number no 3008P3F2/R.
4.
E. Grandemange (2013) Field evaluation of the efficacy and the safety of cimicoxib in the relief of perioperative pain in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice 54 (6),304-312.
5.
S. Rougier (2008) Assessment of the efficacy and safety of cimicoxib compared to firocoxib in dogs with osteoarthritis. Vetoquinol Study n° V3008C1F1.
6.
Pena J: PK-PD relationship between cimicoxib plasmatic concentrations and ex vivo COX1/ COX2 activity; study number n°CIN-341-03.
7.
L.A. Sorbera, I. Ramis, Prous Science: Cimicoxib; Drugs of the Future 2004, 29(4): 325-330.
8.
Vetoquinol UK_Pet Owner OA Research Report_v2.0
9.
H. Voute: 26 week oral (tablets) safety study in the Beagle dog treated with Cimicoxib at 2, 6 and 10 mg/kg/day; 2009, Vetoquinol study number n°3008T4F1.
10.
Pena, Carbó,Merlos: In vivo metabolism of [14C] Cimicoxib in Beagle dog; Vetoquinol study number, CIN31102, 2003.
11.
Casadesus, R. Soria, C. Maraschiello, J. Zapatero: 39-week toxicity study in Beagle dogs with repeated oral administration and an 8 week recovery period; 2005, Vetoquinol study number n°CD02/8317T.
12.
J. Zapatero, A. Casadesus,M. de Luna and C. Santasusagna: Toxicity in Beagle dogs with repeated administration for 5 weeks and a 14 day recovery period. Oral administration; 2002, Vetoquinol study number n°CD01/7674T.