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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Anyone else with a dog who takes Previcox?

14 replies

Scuttlebutter · 18/03/2013 23:28

Our lovely old boy is on Previcox for his arthritis. It's doing a fantastic job - he is bounding around like a little spring lamb. However, it's not him that's the problem - it's the tablets. They are wrapped in what I can only describe as human proof packaging.

Every night I (or DH) have to gird our loins and disappear into the utility room, usually muttering "I may be some time" under my breath. Then we have the long, painful struggle, with the toughest, springiest, non bending plastic film I've ever met. You could use it as a sail for the space shuttle. You could probably store nuclear waste in it. Some days we have to resort to drastic measures. Knives. Scissors. Various kitchen implements. More swearing. Neat gin. Tears. Yet more swearing. Eventually one of us will emerge, often with bleeding hands, a traumatised expression and a selection of bent blades. Tablet is then neatly swallowed by adorable hound and we stagger into the living room to find the gin/sticking plasters/ice pack.

Is it just us?

OP posts:
poachedeggs · 19/03/2013 07:04

I haven't had that complaint about it. I don't use it a lot though. Am I right in thinking it's one of the ones which you need to peel the foil off the top, rather than push the tablet through from the back?

Make sure you tell your vet. I pass all complaints or feedback about packaging to the rep.

Scuttlebutter · 19/03/2013 08:41

Yes, poached - the tablet has a cunning double layer on the back. There's a foil coating and then there is the devil's own plastic coating on top of that.

The packaging has definitely changed - we used it until last year on our dear old girl and it was fine. Then she died Sad and this old boy arrived - in the intervening gap, it's had these changes. Good idea about contacting the company. I will send them an email. Just wanted to know if anyone else had the same problem, or we are alone in being clueless!

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 19/03/2013 08:49

I haven't had a complaint either. One corner of each blister is unsealed to enable you to peel the foil and the plastic together- have you found that?
Merial make previcox what region are you in Scuttlebuttle if it is mine I can put you directly in touch with the area manager.

Scuttlebutter · 19/03/2013 09:20

S Wales, Lonecat. No, we haven't found it < now feels even more incompetent Wink>

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 19/03/2013 09:24

I will get a packet out when I get to work and provide you with a description of which corner you are looking for I'll be there in about an hour.

Scuttlebutter · 19/03/2013 09:25

Thank you! Smile

OP posts:
TeggieCampbeggBlegg · 19/03/2013 09:30

Yes!

I risk my fingers using the sharpest pointiest knife i have.

Bloody impossible. The arrows showing where to peel simply taunt me. [sob]

poachedeggs · 19/03/2013 11:19

Definitely ask your vet to contact Merial (or go direct), this may be a batch problem in which case you might be able to get it replaced :)

Lonecatwithkitten · 19/03/2013 11:32

As promised I have investigated a couple of packets and yes they are fiendishly difficult to get into. I will contact the area manager for my area and head over to this thread so he can see your problems so keep putting them on. Change will probably not be quick, but usually merial are fairly approachable.

Lonecatwithkitten · 19/03/2013 11:37

I have just spoken to the rep they are aware of the problem. There will be new packaging coming through in June. It is a reasonably long lead time as the packaging is subject to licencing with the product. But change is coming.Grin.

Empress77 · 19/03/2013 11:41

I found them really hard - very over designed or something!

Scuttlebutter · 19/03/2013 13:24

That's fantastic news, Lonecat. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this will brighten my (and DH's) day. Joking aside, it was getting to the point of being one of those "I'm dreading it" jobs, and it's such a shame, since the medication itself is excellent and doing a grand job. June is now highlighted on the calendar!

Is this one of those "power of MN" moments ?

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 19/03/2013 13:47

I wish I could take credit for it, but the change was already in the pipeline. I suspect a lovely Merial person will be along shortly to reassure you all.

TeggieCampbeggBlegg · 19/03/2013 13:51

Hurrah!

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