carolynandlatte
Member Since 2009
Hi All!
I know not everyone in LL gets around to other parts of the board, so the thread in 'think tank' regarding NSAID's (pain relievers), particularly metacam may have been overlooked:
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=22322
For those who are new here (or those who didnt know this)...My girl, Latte, who left her family here in LL this July had acute renal failure from this medication about 3.5yrs ago. I put a lot of energy into trying to make some changes, which made me feel like I was banging my head against the wall (dealing with FDA, drug company, US representatives/senators, vet boards, etc). My main focus in the last year has been more of educating people, since I felt a change from the 'big guns' would never come. On the 2 month anniversary of Latte's passing, the metacam labeling was changed to include a Black Box warning on both injectible and oral solution. A dear dr letter was also sent out to all veterinarians. I dont take credit for this change, as there are soooo many people out there fighting the fight. Yet, it still was an amazing victory after such investment of time, energy, money, and love for my girl. If it werent for her resilience to continue on as long as she did, I dont think I would have become so involved in the cause.
Below is a cross post from the crf groups where I announced the changes. YOu can find all the new labels and dear dr letter on the link provided in my signature (http://www.metacamkills.com).
I write this with tears of happiness flowing down my face. For those of us who
have lost our cats or had them permanently damaged from the drug metacam, for
those who have reported adverse reactions or filed complaints with the drug
company or fda, for those who continue to spread the word and educate
anyone/everyone who may be considering the use of metacam in their cats, and for
all those kitties who will be saved....THIS IS FOR YOU! Congratulations!!!!
Metacam has just recently changed its labeling (for oral suspension) to include
a black box warning for use in cats. The black box states:
"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."
Not black boxed:
"Contraindications: Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not
receive Metacam Oral Suspension. Do not use Metacam Oral Suspension in cats.
Acute renal failure and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in
cats."
The Client Information Sheet states (in bold):
"Do not use Metacam Oral Suspension in cats. Acute renal failure and death have
been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats."
The Dear Dr Letter (sent to all veterinarians and posted on veterinarian
websites) discusses one of the things I attempted to drive into the FDA's head
about dosing/concentration:
"METACAM Oral Suspension is not licensed in the U.S. for use in cats.
Unfortunately adverse events in cats do occur. These have been reported at a
consistent level over the past 5 years and the majority following the
inappropriate off-label administration of the more concentrated 1.5 mg/mL
formulation in cats."
Please note, this is for the United States ONLY. Many other countries have
approved this drug for use in cats (with a lessened concentration than available
in the U.S.). However, I would continue to heed to the manufacturers warning,
no matter where you are, unless it is a last resort/tried everything else/might
have to pts cat if we dont go this route. Be familiar with side effects to look
for if metacam is ever used on one of your cats, and have regular labs done.
Report ANY adverse reactions to the FDA AND Drug company, or whomever the
organization overseeing drugs in your country may be.
I wished more than anything Latte could have been here last night for me to
share this news. Its been a loooooooong battle. One that often seemed
impossible to win. Please know, each and every one of you who have spoken out
on this drug MADE this happen. WE, the consumers, the caregivers of those who
cannot speak for themselves. WE DID IT in their honor!
Carolyn (and everyone's angel - Latte)
To Latte, and all the other kitties whose lives were shortened because of this drug! drinking24
I know not everyone in LL gets around to other parts of the board, so the thread in 'think tank' regarding NSAID's (pain relievers), particularly metacam may have been overlooked:
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=22322
For those who are new here (or those who didnt know this)...My girl, Latte, who left her family here in LL this July had acute renal failure from this medication about 3.5yrs ago. I put a lot of energy into trying to make some changes, which made me feel like I was banging my head against the wall (dealing with FDA, drug company, US representatives/senators, vet boards, etc). My main focus in the last year has been more of educating people, since I felt a change from the 'big guns' would never come. On the 2 month anniversary of Latte's passing, the metacam labeling was changed to include a Black Box warning on both injectible and oral solution. A dear dr letter was also sent out to all veterinarians. I dont take credit for this change, as there are soooo many people out there fighting the fight. Yet, it still was an amazing victory after such investment of time, energy, money, and love for my girl. If it werent for her resilience to continue on as long as she did, I dont think I would have become so involved in the cause.
Below is a cross post from the crf groups where I announced the changes. YOu can find all the new labels and dear dr letter on the link provided in my signature (http://www.metacamkills.com).
I write this with tears of happiness flowing down my face. For those of us who
have lost our cats or had them permanently damaged from the drug metacam, for
those who have reported adverse reactions or filed complaints with the drug
company or fda, for those who continue to spread the word and educate
anyone/everyone who may be considering the use of metacam in their cats, and for
all those kitties who will be saved....THIS IS FOR YOU! Congratulations!!!!
Metacam has just recently changed its labeling (for oral suspension) to include
a black box warning for use in cats. The black box states:
"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."
Not black boxed:
"Contraindications: Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not
receive Metacam Oral Suspension. Do not use Metacam Oral Suspension in cats.
Acute renal failure and death have been associated with the use of meloxicam in
cats."
The Client Information Sheet states (in bold):
"Do not use Metacam Oral Suspension in cats. Acute renal failure and death have
been associated with the use of meloxicam in cats."
The Dear Dr Letter (sent to all veterinarians and posted on veterinarian
websites) discusses one of the things I attempted to drive into the FDA's head
about dosing/concentration:
"METACAM Oral Suspension is not licensed in the U.S. for use in cats.
Unfortunately adverse events in cats do occur. These have been reported at a
consistent level over the past 5 years and the majority following the
inappropriate off-label administration of the more concentrated 1.5 mg/mL
formulation in cats."
Please note, this is for the United States ONLY. Many other countries have
approved this drug for use in cats (with a lessened concentration than available
in the U.S.). However, I would continue to heed to the manufacturers warning,
no matter where you are, unless it is a last resort/tried everything else/might
have to pts cat if we dont go this route. Be familiar with side effects to look
for if metacam is ever used on one of your cats, and have regular labs done.
Report ANY adverse reactions to the FDA AND Drug company, or whomever the
organization overseeing drugs in your country may be.
I wished more than anything Latte could have been here last night for me to
share this news. Its been a loooooooong battle. One that often seemed
impossible to win. Please know, each and every one of you who have spoken out
on this drug MADE this happen. WE, the consumers, the caregivers of those who
cannot speak for themselves. WE DID IT in their honor!
Carolyn (and everyone's angel - Latte)
To Latte, and all the other kitties whose lives were shortened because of this drug! drinking24
