Metacam for Dogs & Cats

Overview
Product Info
Usage
Details

Dog and Cat Pain and Inflammation Relief

Metacam (meloxicam) is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for dogs that treats the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders. Metacam Oral Suspension is only available for dogs, while the Injectable Solution can be used in dogs, or as a one-time postoperative pain reliever in cats.

Metacam is an FDA-approved prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Its primary indication is for remedying pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with arthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions. It also effectively lowers fevers.

Benefits of Metacam:

Steroid-free relief from pain and inflammation
Increased mobility and better quality of life for your dog
Graduated oral syringe for easy dosing
Convenient oral dosing directly into your dogs mouth or on food
Honey flavor dogs readily accept
Injectable alternative available

There is not a cure for arthritis. Metacam is only for management of symptoms.

Keep out of reach of children. Do not allow children to administer oral or injectable Metacam to your animal. Read directions and precautionary statements before use.

Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian's prescription.

Directions for Metacam Oral Suspension: - For Dogs ONLY

Shake vial well.
Press cap down and turn to remove.
Insert the tip of the manufacturer-supplied syringe into the vial.
Turn vial upside-down. Pull the plunger of the syringe down until the syringe contains the prescribed Metacam dose.
Return the vial to its right-side-up position and remove the syringe with a twisting motion.
Tightly close vial and place it in its safe storage location.
Hold the syringe over the dog's food and apply the dose onto the food by pressing gently on the plunger for all dogs less than 10 lbs. and for dogs that reject direct oral administrations.
Squirt the dose directly into larger dogs' mouths, or add it to food.
Make sure plenty of water is available to your dog while treating with Metacam.

Directions for Metacam Injectable Solution:

Receive detailed instructions on administering a Metacam injection from your veterinarian.
Fill syringe with a dose calculated at 0.09 mg per pound of body weight, unless your prescription varies.
Make the injection intravenously or subcutaneously.
Follow injection with oral suspension dose calculated at 0.045 mg per pound after 24 hours, unless your prescription varies.

Frequency of Use:

Administer metacam as prescribed. Use as infrequently and at as low a dose as possible. Doses are typically given once daily.

Storage:

Store in original container and out of reach of children and animals.

Store Metacam oral suspension between 59 and 86 degrees F, protected from moisture, heat, and light. Store Metacam injectable solution at controlled room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F.

It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

Metacam is made from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam of the oxicam class. It reduces hormones in the body that contribute to pain and inflammation.

Metacam is available by veterinary prescription.

Each mL of Metacam injectable solution contains: meloxicam 5.0 mg, alcohol 15%, glycofurol 10%, poloxamer 188 5%, sodium chloride 0.6%, glycine 0.5% and meglumine 0.3%, in water for injection, pH adjusted with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid.

Metacam oral suspension includes: 1.5 mg sodium benzoate as an active ingredient.

Warnings:

Keep this product out of reach of children and animals. Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.

Use only as prescribed.

Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not administer additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats. See Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions for detailed information.

A veterinarian should complete a thorough medical history and physical examination before prescribing your dog any therapy with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Always add Metacam oral suspension to food for dogs weighing less than 10 lbs. to prevent accidental overdose.

CAUTION: Stomach upset is the most likely side effect with Metacam. Headaches, dizziness, constipation, loose stool, fatigue, dry mouth, and other adverse effect may occur. Other side effects can indicate a serious complication and call for immediate consultation with your veterinarian. These may include abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular stool, edema, changes to appetite, excessive scratching, jaundice, hair loss, lethargy, weakness, loss of coordination, seizures, and changes to typical behavior.

Pain or irritation at the site of injection is possible with use of Metacam injectable solution.

Allergic reactions are possible. Tell your veterinarian if your dog has an allergy to aspirin or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Seek emergency veterinary attention.

Symptoms of overdose include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, unconsciousness, heart attack, seizures, little or no urinary output, and decelerated breathing. Get your pet immediate veterinary care for a possible overdose.

Discuss other supplements or medications with your veterinarian before administering them. Tell your veterinarian if your pet takes any other non-steroidal steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, furosemide, warfarin, or any product for cough, cold, allergies, or pain relief.

Whether Metacam is safe for pregnant, lactating, and breeding dogs is not known.

Consult a physician or poison control center in the event of human ingestion.

Warranty and Manufacturer Information:

Oral Suspension:

Manufactured by: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., St. Joseph, MO 64506 U.S.A.

US Patent 6,184,220

METACAM is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

Metacam 1.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension

Code 601511, 601521, 601531, 601571

Metacam 0.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension

Code 601411

Revised 05/2008