Vomiting after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

The FDA has received 1,056 reports of vomiting in cats after Meloxicam. That is 29% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 18% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,056Reports
17%Marked serious
8.4%Recovered
22%Died or euthanised
3 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
43 19%
1–2 days
73 31%
3–7 days
60 26%
1–4 weeks
39 17%
Over a month
17 7.3%

How the animals did

Recovered
84 8.0%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
65 6.2%
Died
202 19%
Euthanised
35 3.3%
Not known
665 63%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
157
1–3 years
167
4–7 years
249
8–11 years
234
12+ years
220

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 vomiting in cats?
1,056 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).

Vomiting with similar medicines

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