Onsior (robenacoxib) 20mg

Onsior general information

What is Onsior used for?

Onsior tablets 20mg are used for dogs to help treat and manage the pain and inflammation associated with chronic osteoarthritis.  Many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis, particularly as they age.  Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joints, particularly in the knees and hips and can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, in the affected joint; also altered gait as weight is transferred to unaffected limbs, which affects mobility and restricts your dog’s activity.  Onsior tablets 20mg can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve your dog’s mobility and general demeanour.  Onsior tablets 20mg can also be used to help control pain and inflammation following orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery in dogs.  Onsior tablets 20mg are only suitable for dogs with a weight no less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) and are no less than 3 months of age.  Onsior tablets 20mg are not suitable for cats.  

How does Onsior work?

Onsior tablets 20mg contain robenacoxib, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic action (reduces fever).  Onsior tablets 20mg work by blocking the production of specific chemicals called prostaglandins (PG) that mediate inflammation.  Robenacoxib in Onsior tablets 20mg is a highly selective and specific inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) that is induced during the inflammation process and is responsible for the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins like PGE2, which causes pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation¹.  Robenacoxib in Onsior tablets 20mg has minimal effect on the cyclooxygenase 1 enzyme (COX-1) that is needed for normal cellular processes, such as kidney and platelet function and also protects the gastrointestinal mucosa, which protects against gastrointestinal side effects¹.  Robenacoxib in Onsior tablets 20mg enters and leaves the blood rapidly to target the site of inflammation² so that it is fast acting, being effective within 30 minutes and lasts for 24hours.  By inhibiting the action of COX-2, Onsior tablets 20mg relieve the symptoms of inflammation, including pain and swelling. 

What does Onsior contain?

Onsior tablets 20mg contain the active ingredient robenacoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs.

Treating osteoarthritis in dogs with Onsior

Onsior tablets 20mg contains robenacoxib, which is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs.  Many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis, particularly as they age.  Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joints, particularly in the knees and hips and can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, in the affected joint; also altered gait as weight is transferred to unaffected limbs, which affects mobility and restricts your dog’s activity.  Robenacoxib in Onsior tablets 20mg works by inhibiting the production of chemicals called prostaglandins that are mediators of inflammation.  It is a highly selective and specific inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) that is induced during the inflammation process and is responsible for the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins like PGE2, which causes pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation¹.  Robenacoxib in Onsior tablets 20mg is fast acting being effective within 30 minutes and lasts for 24hours and this helps relieve the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and improves your dog’s mobility and general demeanour. 

What are the side effects of Onsior?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Onsior tablets 20mg include: loss of appetite, vomiting, change in bowel movements such as diarrhoea or soft watery faeces.

When should Onsior not be used?

You should not give Onsior tablets 20mg to your dog if your dog:

• is allergic to robenacoxib or any ingredients in Onsior
• is pregnant or lactating
• is less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) and is no less than 3 months of age
• has gastrointestinal ulceration
• has a condition causing dehydration
• has heart, kidney or liver disease or has low circulating blood volume or low blood pressure
• is taking medicines that interact with Onsior, including other NSAIDs, aspirin, or corticosteroids

How should Onsior be given to your dog?

You should give your dog Onsior tablets 20mg whole and by mouth, on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before or after a meal, once daily at the same time each day.  Onsior tablets 20mg have a beefy taste to make them more palatable for dogs.  You should see an improvement in your dog within a week and you should follow your vet’s instructions and give your dog Onsior tablets 20mg for a maximum of 10 days.

The recommended dose is 1 mg/kg bodyweight with a range of 1-2 mg/kg, as follows:

• For dogs 2.5-<5kg body weight one 5mg tablet
• For dogs 5-<10kg body weight one 10mg tablet
• For dogs 10-<20kg body weight one 20mg tablet
• For dogs 20-40kg body weight one 40mg tablet
• For dogs 40-80kg body weight two 40mg tablets

How long should Onsior be given to your dog?

You should see an improvement in your dog within a week and you should follow your vet’s instructions and give your dog Onsior tablets 20mg for a maximum of 10 days.

Missed dose of Onsior

If you miss a dose of Onsior tablets 20mg give it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to give the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not give a double dose.

How should Onsior be stored?

You should store your Onsior below 25°C in a cool dry place. 

References

1. King JN, Rudaz C, Borer, Jung M, Seewald W, Lees P.  In vitro and ex vivo inhibition of canine cyclooxygenase isoforms by robenacoxib: a comparative study. Res Vet Sci.2010; 88:497-506. 
2. Silber HE, Burgener C, Letellier IM, Peyrou M, Jung M, King JN, Gruet P, Giraudel JM. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of blood and joint synovial fluid concentrations of robenacoxib from healthy dogs and dogs with osteoarthritis.Pharm Res.2010; 27:2633-45.