Didn't work as expected after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 428 reports of didn't work as expected in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 5.3% 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.

428Reports
33%Marked serious
12%Recovered
8.4%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
53 25%
1–2 days
27 13%
3–7 days
26 12%
1–4 weeks
35 16%
Over a month
75 35%

How the animals did

Recovered
52 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.2%
Still unwell when reported
92 21%
Died
22 5.1%
Euthanised
14 3.3%
Not known
247 58%

Problems reported at the same time

53 12%
39 9.1%
36 8.4%
29 6.8%
25 5.8%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
30
1–3 years
41
4–7 years
63
8–11 years
129
12+ years
133

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 work as expected in dogs?
428 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 10 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 work as expected with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with didn't work as expected