Haematuria after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

The FDA has received 97 reports of haematuria in cats after Meloxicam. That is 2.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.5% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

97Reports
15%Marked serious
1.0%Recovered
24%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
0 0.0%
1–2 days
4 25%
3–7 days
7 44%
1–4 weeks
3 19%
Over a month
2 13%

How the animals did

Recovered
1 1.0%
Still unwell when reported
6 6.2%
Died
20 21%
Euthanised
3 3.1%
Not known
67 69%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
11
1–3 years
18
4–7 years
22
8–11 years
25
12+ years
21

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 haematuria in cats?
97 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).

Haematuria with similar medicines

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