Digestive tract disorder after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

37 reports to the FDA describe digestive tract disorder in cats given Meloxicam. That is 1.0% 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.

37Reports
14%Marked serious
5.4%Recovered
22%Died or euthanised
–Typical onset
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How the animals did

Recovered
2 5.4%
Still unwell when reported
2 5.4%
Died
6 16%
Euthanised
2 5.4%
Not known
25 68%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
7
4–7 years
6
8–11 years
7
12+ years
11

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 digestive tract disorder in cats?
37 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.
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).

Digestive tract disorder with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with digestive tract disorder