Meloxicam
Metacam (veterinary) · Loxicom, Meloxidyl (veterinary generics) · Mobic (human) · generic meloxicam tablets
Meloxicam is the most prescribed anti-inflammatory for arthritis and post-surgical pain in dogs. The veterinary liquid is dosed by weight; human meloxicam tablets contain the same drug and are sometimes used for larger dogs. In cats its use is tightly restricted because repeated doses can damage the kidneys.
What it is used for
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that reduces pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and after orthopaedic and soft-tissue surgery. The veterinary products, Metacam and its generics, are honey-flavoured oral suspensions with a weight-marked syringe, which allows accurate dosing for dogs of any size; an injectable version is used in clinics.
Human meloxicam tablets are the same molecule, and for a large dog a vet may prescribe them because the lowest human tablet strength suits a bigger animal, which a human pharmacy can fill. Vomiting, reduced appetite and dark or bloody stools are the warning signs of stomach irritation, and vets check kidney and liver blood tests before and during long-term use.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Cats: meloxicam is approved in the United States only as a single injection after surgery, and the FDA label carries a boxed warning that repeated use in cats has caused kidney failure and death. Any ongoing oral use in a cat is off-label and must be directed by a vet at a very low dose.
- Never combine with another NSAID (carprofen, aspirin, ibuprofen) or with a steroid such as prednisone; the combination causes stomach ulcers and kidney injury.
- Human meloxicam tablets cannot be dosed accurately for small dogs; use the veterinary liquid.
- Dehydrated, old or kidney-impaired animals are at higher risk; always give with food and water available.
- Oral suspension with dosing syringe (veterinary)
- Chewable tablets (veterinary, some markets)
- Tablets (human)
- Injection (clinic use)
- Veterinary suspension 1.5 mg per mL
- 7.5 and 15 mg human tablets
Veterinary generics of the suspension (Loxicom, Meloxidyl and others) are the same strength as Metacam.
Why the cash price varies
The veterinary suspension is sold by vets and by pharmacies that stock veterinary products, and generic versions compete with Metacam; the bottle size and the pharmacy’s supplier set the quote. Human meloxicam tablets are a commodity generic, so for a large dog they cost a fraction of the suspension, which is why vets sometimes prescribe them for bigger patients.
How to pay less
- For a large dog, ask the vet whether human meloxicam tablets at an appropriate strength would be suitable.
- Ask the pharmacy to quote a veterinary generic suspension rather than the brand.
- For long-term arthritis treatment, ask about the largest bottle size appropriate and a ninety-day prescription.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies, including those stocking veterinary products, can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Does my dog need blood tests before starting and while on it?
- What signs of stomach or kidney trouble should make me stop and call?
- Is it safe with my dog’s other medicines and supplements?
- Could human tablets be used for my dog’s size?
- If my pet is a cat, why is meloxicam being prescribed and what is the plan?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s meloxicam prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s meloxicam prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
- FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book)
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.