Didn't stop fleas after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 22 reports of didn't stop fleas in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 6.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

22Reports
14%Marked serious
9.1%Recovered
4.5%Died or euthanised
214 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
0 0.0%
1–2 days
2 18%
3–7 days
0 0.0%
1–4 weeks
1 9.1%
Over a month
8 73%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 9.1%
Still unwell when reported
5 23%
Euthanised
1 4.5%
Not known
14 64%

Problems reported at the same time

Vomiting
3 14%
Didn't work as expected
3 14%
Death
1 4.5%
Itching
1 4.5%
Unpalatable
1 4.5%
Systemic disorder
1 4.5%
Neoplasia
1 4.5%
Weight loss
1 4.5%

Age of the animals

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

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 stop fleas in dogs?
22 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 214 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 stop fleas with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with didn't stop fleas