Didn't prevent heartworm after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 32 reports of didn't prevent heartworm in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 13% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

32Reports
38%Marked serious
6.3%Recovered
6.3%Died or euthanised
119 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
1 9.1%
1–2 days
0 0.0%
3–7 days
0 0.0%
1–4 weeks
1 9.1%
Over a month
9 82%

How the animals did

Recovered with lasting effects
2 6.3%
Still unwell when reported
10 31%
Died
1 3.1%
Euthanised
1 3.1%
Not known
18 56%

Problems reported at the same time

Didn't work as expected
6 19%
Weight gain
5 16%
Arthritis
4 13%
Death
2 6.3%
Vomiting
2 6.3%
Dental disease
2 6.3%
Liver problems
2 6.3%
Behaviour change
2 6.3%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
0
1–3 years
11
4–7 years
12
8–11 years
6
12+ years
3

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 didn't prevent heartworm in dogs?
32 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 119 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).

Didn't prevent heartworm with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with didn't prevent heartworm