Metacam

What is Metacam?

METACAM, also known as meloxicam oral suspension, is a long-acting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to control pain and inflammation (soreness) due to osteoarthritis in dogs. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition caused by “wear and tear” of cartilage and other parts of the joints that may result in the following changes or signs in your dog: Limping or lameness, decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, climb stairs, jump or run, or difficulty in performing these activities), stiffness or decreased movement of joints. 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:

• Pain Relief: Effectively controls joint pain in dogs caused by Osteoarthritis
• Reduces Inflammation: Minimizes inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis, improving joint function and mobility.
• Enhances Mobility: Helps restore and improve your dog's overall movement and activity level.
• Response varies from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic. In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days.
• Easy to Administer: Can be administered directly into your dog's mouth, or mixed in your dog's food
• New Syringe, Same Great Product: Giving your dog the care they need is now easier with the enhanced readability of the new Metacam (meloxicam/oral suspension) syringes, including changes in the dimensions of the syringe, and improvements in the imprint/scale that appears on the syringes to provide increased clarity and more product detail. 
• Dramatic Results: In most dogs, improvement can be seen in a matter of days. Response varies from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic. 
• Long-Term Use: While some pain medications are only prescribed for short durations, Metacam can be used for extended periods under a vet's supervision, providing continuous pain management for chronic conditions.

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:

METACAM Should Only Be Given To Dogs. Do not use METACAM Oral Suspension in cats. Acute renal failure and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats. People should not take METACAM. Keep METACAM and all medication out of reach of children. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take METACAM.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) Oral Suspension

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 0.05 mg 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?

• The signs of Osteoarthritis you have observed (for example limping, stiffness).
• The importance of weight control and exercise in the management of OA.
• What tests might be done before METACAM is prescribed.
• How often your dog may need to be examined by your veterinarian.
• The risks and benefits of using METACAM.
• Tell your Vet if your dog has ever had the following medical problems: side effects from Metacam or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea), liver disease, or kidney disease.
• All medicines that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription and any other medical problems or allergies that your dog has now or has had.
• If your dog is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your dog.

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?

METACAM, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs. Serious side effects can occur with or without warning and in rare situations result in death. Therefore, NSAIDs should only be administered under the direction of a licensed professional. The most common NSAID-related side effects generally involve the stomach and liver or kidney problems. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with METACAM or may have another medical problem: decrease or increase in appetite, vomiting, change in bowel movement (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools), change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression), yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice), change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed), change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell), change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching). 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. Your dog should not be given Metacam if they have had an allergic reaction to meloxicam, the active ingredient of METACAM. had an allergic reaction (such as hives, facial swelling, or red or itchy skin) to aspirin or other NSAIDs, is presently taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or corticosteroids (unless directed by your veterinarian).

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.