Liver problems after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats
274 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in cats given Meloxicam. That is 7.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.8% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.
274Reports
30%Marked serious
7.3%Recovered
42%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started
How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
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 liver problems in cats?
- 274 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).
Liver problems with similar medicines
- Liver problems after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 202 reports · 6.2% of its reports
- Liver problems after Carprofen (Rimadyl) 152 reports · 8.9% of its reports
All reported side effects of Meloxicam in cats · Medicines most reported with liver problems