Hyperphosphataemia after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

562 reports to the FDA describe hyperphosphataemia in cats given Meloxicam. That is 15% 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.

562Reports
16%Marked serious
3.0%Recovered
29%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
6 7.0%
1–2 days
32 37%
3–7 days
24 28%
1–4 weeks
21 24%
Over a month
3 3.5%

How the animals did

Recovered
13 2.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
27 4.8%
Died
140 25%
Euthanised
21 3.7%
Not known
357 64%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
59
1–3 years
96
4–7 years
141
8–11 years
138
12+ years
125

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 hyperphosphataemia in cats?
562 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 3 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).

Hyperphosphataemia with similar medicines

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