Weight loss after Meloxicam (Metacam) in cats

The FDA has received 327 reports of weight loss in cats after Meloxicam. That is 9.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

327Reports
30%Marked serious
4.3%Recovered
22%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
18 16%
1–2 days
25 22%
3–7 days
22 19%
1–4 weeks
37 32%
Over a month
12 11%

How the animals did

Recovered
10 3.1%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 1.2%
Still unwell when reported
42 13%
Died
51 16%
Euthanised
21 6.4%
Not known
199 61%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
22
1–3 years
42
4–7 years
62
8–11 years
96
12+ years
102

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 weight loss in cats?
327 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 5 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).

Weight loss with similar medicines

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