Metacam

What is Metacam?

METACAM oral suspension, also known as meloxicam, is a long-acting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is an incurable chronic, progressive disease, that will require management for the remainder of your dog’s life. Pain and inflammation control is a big part of that management, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like METACAM oral suspension, have a trusted track record of being safe and effective at controlling joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. METACAM, the first NSAID available as an oral suspension, offers a highly convenient treatment option to dog owners and allows for accurate dosing for any size dog—something that chewable tablets cannot always achieve. Metacam requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

Suitable For:

Dogs (over the age of 6 months)

Benefits:

• Effectively treats pain and inflammation
• Gives your dog more mobility
• Comes with a graduated syringe, with weight measurements, that easily and accurately dispenses the correct amount of oral suspension
• Can be administered directly into your dog's mouth, or mixed in your dog's food
• Palatable taste

How does Metacam work?

METACAM oral suspension targets and relieves both the pain and inflammation caused by OA. Relief from arthritis pain can help restore mobility, allowing your dog to return to many of the activities that you both previously enjoyed. Best of all, it can be given once daily, which provides a full 24 hours of relief. Please note that METACAM NSAID needs to be given consistently, every day to ensure it works and your dog gets the full benefit.

Just as many children's medicines come in liquid rather than pill form, liquid METACAM oral suspension is designed to make it easier to administer the right dose to dogs. METACAM anti-inflammatory is made in a smooth liquid form so that dog owners can dispense it easily from the syringe. Because it's liquid, it is easy to adjust the dose in small increments using the precise measured syringe. It is easily applied to the dog's food or given directly into the dog's mouth, has a sweet honey-flavored taste, and dogs love it.

Cautions:

While using Metacam, talk to your veterinarian before giving any other prescription or over-the-counter medications to your pet. Metacam should not be used in the last third of pregnancy or with nursing animals. Don't use in animals with heart, kidney, or liver disease.

Brand Name:

Metacam (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Generic Name:

Meloxicam (me-lock'-see-cam)

What is the most important information I should know about Metacam?

Metacam is a prescription medication that is FDA approved for use in dogs. Metacam is available as 1.5mg/ml suspension in a 10 ml, 32 ml, 100 ml, or 180 ml plastic squeeze dropper bottle with a measuring dose syringe included in the package. Metacam is also available as 0.5mg/ml suspension in a 15 ml dropper bottle with a measuring dose syringe included in the package. The usual dose of Metacam in dogs is 0.1mg per pound as an initial dose the first day, followed by 0.05mg per pound once a day thereafter. Shake well before using Metacam. Contact the veterinarian if the pet has bloody, black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, swelling or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention, unusual fatigue or weakness, yellowing of the eyes, excessive itching, abdominal pain or tenderness as these symptoms could indicate serious side effects. Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional doses of injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. Before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medications check with your veterinarian or pharmacist.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Metacam to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; has liver, or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; bleeding disorders; heart disease or high blood pressure. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating. The safe use of METACAM® (meloxicam oral suspension) in dogs younger than 6 months of age, dogs used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. With your veterinarian, carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of METACAM oral suspension and other treatment options before deciding to use METACAM oral suspension. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response.

How should Metacam be given?

METACAM NSAID is safe for most dogs when used as directed. You should only use METACAM oral suspension for dogs under the direction of a veterinarian and give precisely the dose prescribed. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Metacam may be given with or without food. The effects of METACAM oral suspension can last for up to 24 hours. METACAM anti-inflammatory is made to be given once a day, making it a good solution for dogs with persistent or chronic pain and those who need long-lasting pain relief associated with osteoarthritis. METACAM oral suspension reduces symptoms and alleviates inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, but it does not cure osteoarthritis. It is important to note that symptoms of OA may return or get worse if you stop using METACAM anti-inflammatory.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Metacam?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose the pet on Metacam?

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Metacam overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, headache, cardiac arrest, stomach pain, seizures, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.

What should I avoid while giving Metacam to my pet?

Many over the counter cough, cold, allergy and pain medicines contain aspirin or other NSAID's similar to Metacam. Before taking any prescription or over the counter medications talk to the veterinarian or pharmacist.

What are the possible side effects of Metacam?

The most common side effects are vomiting and soft stool or diarrhea. These are usually mild and affect primarily the gastrointestinal system, but more serious side effects can occur. Therefore, NSAIDs should only be administered under the direction of a licensed professional. If you notice side effects in your dog during treatment, stop the drug and call your veterinarian. Please refer to the full prescribing information for more information.

What other drugs will affect Metacam?

Aspirin should not be given concurrently with METACAM® oral suspension therapy. Also, METACAM oral suspension should not be given with other anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone, Rimadyl (carprofen), ibuprofen, PREVICOX (firocoxib) or Deramaxx (deracoxib). Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any other medications your dog is taking before beginning treatment with METACAM anti-inflammatory.

How should I store this product?

Store Metacam at room temperature, away from light, moisture, and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.