Excessive thirst after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

161 reports to the FDA describe excessive thirst in cats given Meloxicam. That is 4.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

161Reports
15%Marked serious
2.5%Recovered
17%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
4 15%
1–2 days
5 19%
3–7 days
5 19%
1–4 weeks
9 33%
Over a month
4 15%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 1.2%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.2%
Still unwell when reported
10 6.2%
Died
22 14%
Euthanised
6 3.7%
Not known
119 74%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
13
4–7 years
32
8–11 years
49
12+ years
50

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 excessive thirst in cats?
161 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 6 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).

Excessive thirst with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with excessive thirst