INDICATIONS
METACAM® (meloxicam) Solution for Injection is indicated in cats for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy and castration when administered prior to surgery.
CLINICAL BENEFITS
- Smooth liquid can be administered with a 25-gauge needle
- One time administration per event and is only given subcutaneously in cats
- Low viscosity ensuring quick, easy subcutaneous administration with a small needle (25-gauge) to minimize patient discomfort with peak blood levels at 1.5 hours in cats
- No refrigeration needed
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
Carefully consider the potential benefits and risk of METACAM® (meloxicam) Solution for Injection and other treatment options before deciding to use METACAM Solution for Injection. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response (per prescribing information).
Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous dose of METACAM Solution for Injection to cats at a dose of 0.14 mg/lb (0.3 mg/kg) body weight. Use of additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs is contraindicated. (See Contraindications in SAFETY). To ensure accuracy of dosing, the use of a 1 mL graduated syringe is recommended.
SAFETY
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.
METACAM® (meloxicam) Solution for Injection is approved for use in dogs or cats (not indicated for osteoarthritis in cats).
Contraindications: Cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive METACAM Solution for Injection. Additional doses of meloxicam or other NSAIDs in cats are contraindicated, as no safe dosage for repeated NSAID administration has been established. Do not use meloxicam in cats with pre-existing renal dysfunction.
Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans. For subcutaneous (SQ) injectable use in cats. Do not use intravenous (IV) in cats.
- Do not administer a second dose of meloxicam.
- Do not follow the single, one-time dose of meloxicam with any other NSAID.
- Do not administer METACAM® (meloxicam oral suspension) following the single, one-time injectable dose of meloxicam.
Precautions: The safe use of METACAM Solution for Injection in cats younger than 4 months of age, cats used for breeding, or in pregnant or lactating queens has not been evaluated.
Meloxicam is not recommended for use in cats with bleeding disorders, as safety has not been established in cats with these disorders. Safety has not been established for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) use in cats.
As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs like METACAM Solution for Injection may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver side effects. Cats should be evaluated for existing conditions and currently prescribed medications prior to treatment with METACAM Solution for Injection, then monitored regularly while on treatment. Concurrent use with another NSAID, corticosteroid, or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided.
Anesthetic drugs may affect renal perfusion; approach concomitant use of anesthetics and NSAIDs cautiously. Appropriate monitoring procedures should be employed during all surgical procedures. The use of perioperative parenteral fluids is recommended to decrease potential renal complications when using NSAIDs. If additional pain medication is needed after the single one-time dose of meloxicam, a non-NSAID class of analgesic may be necessary.
For complete product information, see full prescribing information.
METACAM® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license.