Oral ulceration after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

The FDA has received 37 reports of oral ulceration in cats after Meloxicam. That is 1.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

37Reports

8.1%Marked serious

2.7%Recovered

35%Died or euthanised

–Typical onset

How the animals did

Recovered with lasting effects

1 2.7%

Still unwell when reported

1 2.7%

Died

12 32%

Euthanised

1 2.7%

Not known

22 59%

Problems reported at the same time

32 86%

22 59%

19 51%

15 41%

14 38%

13 35%

12 32%

9 24%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 oral ulceration in cats?: 37 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.
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).

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