[Griffin]

Press release from Merial and Boehringer-Ingelheim. Metacam injectable is now approved for use in cats in the USA. It is the first approval for a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) in the cat in the USA. This approval is for the injectable product only. Each package will contain a separate dog and cat package insert. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The approval is for the injectable product only. This label claim does not include oral product.
• Dosage is 0.3mg/kg (0.14mg/lb) subcutaneous prior to Surgery. Recommend using a 1ml (tuberculin) syringe for accurate measurement of small volume.
• Do not administer a second dose either oral or sub Q. This is a one time dosage for surgical pain and inflammation. There is no long-term claim for cats.

REVIEW OF SOME IMPORTANT POINTS FROM THE LABEL:
Indications:
Cats: For the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy and castration when administered prior to surgery.
Dosage and Administration:
Cats: Administer a single, one-time subcutaneous dose of Metacam 5 mg/mL 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). To ensure accuracy of dosing, the use of a 1 mL graduated syringe is recommended.
Contraindications:

• Cats with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam and other NSAIDs should not receive Metacam 5 mg/mL 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 (See Animal Safety).
• For subcutaneous (SQ) injectable use in cats. Do not use IV in cats.
• Do not administer a second dose of meloxicam. Do not follow meloxicam dose with any other NSAID.
• When administering any NSAID, appropriate laboratory testing to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data is recommended prior to use in dogs and cats. All cats should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before administering meloxicam.
• The safe use of Metacam 5 mg/mL 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.
• Safety has not been established for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) use in cats. When administering Metacam 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection, use a syringe of appropriate size to ensure precise dosing.
• In cats, appropriate monitoring procedures should be employed during all surgical procedures. The use of parenteral fluids during surgery is recommended to decrease potential renal complications when using NSAIDs.
• If additional pain medication is needed after the single dose of meloxicam, a non-NSAID class of analgesic may be necessary.

Information For Cat Owners: Meloxicam, like other NSAIDs, is not free from adverse reactions. Owners should be advised of the potential for adverse reactions and be informed of the clinical signs associated with NSAID intolerance. Adverse reactions may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite and behavioral changes. Cat owners should be advised when their pet has received a meloxicam injection. Cat owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if possible adverse reactions are observed.
Clinical Pharmacology: Meloxicam has nearly 100% bioavailability after subcutaneous injection in cats. The terminal elimination half life after a single dose is estimated to be approximately 15 hrs (+/-10%) in cats.
Peak drug concentrations of 1.1 mcg/mL can be expected to occur within 1.5 hours following a 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous injection in cats.