Meloxicam

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent used to relieve pain and inflammation. Your veterinarian may prescribe meloxicam to reduce pain in arthritis.

How does this medicine work?

Meloxicam blocks the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that trigger pain and inflammation, therefore these responses are reduced.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

- Give this medication with food or directly into the mouth soon after feeding.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- Tell your veterinarian if your pet is less than 6 weeks of age.

- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarian if you think your pet may be pregnant or is nursing young.

- Potential side effects of meloxicam include mild stomach upset and vomiting. Other side effects such as loss of appetite, blood in the faeces (stool), and lethargy may occur. Notify your veterinarian if symptoms persist and are severe. Treatment may need to be discontinued.

- Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet in particular other anti-inflammatory drugs because meloxicam must not be administered with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucocorticoids.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Concurrent diuretics, anticoagulants, aminoglycoside antibiotics and highly plasma-protein bound drugs may compete with meloxicam and result in toxic effects.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.