Decreased urine concentration after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

The FDA has received 234 reports of decreased urine concentration in cats after Meloxicam. That is 6.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

234Reports
18%Marked serious
5.6%Recovered
15%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
5 14%
1–2 days
5 14%
3–7 days
11 30%
1–4 weeks
13 35%
Over a month
3 8.1%

How the animals did

Recovered
11 4.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.9%
Still unwell when reported
15 6.4%
Died
31 13%
Euthanised
4 1.7%
Not known
171 73%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
19
1–3 years
36
4–7 years
47
8–11 years
75
12+ years
55

About this medicine

Meloxicam relieves pain and inflammation.

Products with this ingredient include Metacam. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Meloxicam cause decreased urine concentration in cats?
234 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 5 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Decreased urine concentration with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with decreased urine concentration