Meloxoral

Meloxoral is presented as a pale yellow oral suspension which is to be given mixed with food or directly into the mouth in dogs or cats. Meloxoral contains the active substance meloxicam in a strength of 0.5 mg/ml (cats) or 1.5 mg/ml (dogs) for the oral suspension.

Meloxoral is a ‘generic’, which means that Meloxoral is similar to a ‘reference veterinary medicine’ already authorised in the European Union (Metacam). Studies have been carried out to prove that Meloxoral is ‘bioequivalent’ to the reference veterinary medicine which means that Meloxoral is equivalent to Metacam in the way it is absorbed and used by the body.

Meloxoral is used in dogs to relieve inflammation and pain in musculoskeletal disorders. It can be used for both acute disorders, such as those seen after an injury, and chronic (long-term) disorders. In cats Meloxoral is used to alleviate inflammation and pain in chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

Meloxoral contains meloxicam, which belongs to a class of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meloxicam acts by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. As the prostaglandins are substances that trigger inflammation, pain, exudation and fever, meloxicam reduces those responses.

Studies looked at how Meloxoral was absorbed and its effects in the body, in comparison with Metacam.

Occasional side effects of Meloxoral are those seen with NSAIDs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood appearing in the stools, renal failure and apathy (lack of vitality). These side effects occur generally within the first week of treatment and are usually temporary and disappear once treatment has stopped. In very rare cases, they may be serious or fatal.

People who are hypersensitive (allergic) to NSAIDs should avoid contact with Meloxoral. If the product is swallowed by a person, the advice of a doctor should be sought immediately. In the case of accidental ingestion medical advice should be sought immediately, showing the package leaflet or label to the physician.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) considered that, in accordance with European Union requirements, Meloxoral has been shown to be bioequivalent to Metacam. Therefore the CVMP’s view was that, as for Metacam, Meloxoral’s benefits are greater than its risks to alleviate inflammation and pain in musculo-skeletal disorders and they recommended that Meloxoral should be given a marketing authorisation.

The benefit-risk balance may be found in module 6 of this EPAR.

The European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union, for Meloxoral to LeVet B.V. on 19 November 2010. Information on the prescription status of this product may be found on the label of the carton.