Itching after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

94 reports to the FDA describe itching in cats given Meloxicam. That is 2.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.9% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

94Reports
37%Marked serious
13%Recovered
15%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
12 20%
1–2 days
19 32%
3–7 days
10 17%
1–4 weeks
10 17%
Over a month
9 15%

How the animals did

Recovered
11 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.1%
Still unwell when reported
29 31%
Died
8 8.5%
Euthanised
6 6.4%
Not known
39 41%

Problems reported at the same time

Hair loss
27 29%
Loss of appetite
18 19%
Skin rash or irritation
15 16%
Death
14 15%
Vomiting
12 13%
Skin scab
12 13%
Lethargy
11 12%
Dehydration
8 8.5%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
19
4–7 years
24
8–11 years
10
12+ years
27

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 itching in cats?
94 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 2 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).

Itching with similar medicines

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