Elevated lipase after Meloxicam (Metacam) in dogs

The FDA has received 92 reports of elevated lipase in dogs after Meloxicam. That is 1.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

92Reports
43%Marked serious
13%Recovered
28%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
4 8.3%
1–2 days
5 10%
3–7 days
17 35%
1–4 weeks
11 23%
Over a month
11 23%

How the animals did

Recovered
10 11%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 2.2%
Still unwell when reported
11 12%
Died
15 16%
Euthanised
11 12%
Not known
43 47%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
6
1–3 years
5
4–7 years
16
8–11 years
25
12+ years
36

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 elevated lipase in dogs?
92 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 6 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).

Elevated lipase with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Meloxicam in dogs · Medicines most reported with elevated lipase