Joint & pain

Metacam (Meloxicam)

Inflammation and pain from osteoarthritis or post-surgery in dogs. One of the most prescribed NSAIDs in UK veterinary practice. Active ingredient: meloxicam.

£26.00,£42.00
Typical UK vet price per month
CMA / VetHelpDirect
£0.18
Cheapest VMD-approved online (monthly)
Last verified 2026-05-15
£385.00
Annual saving (net of £21 prescription fee)
Indicative, 15 kg dog

Key takeaways

  • Metacam (Meloxicam) treats inflammation and pain from osteoarthritis or post-surgery in dogs. one of the most prescribed nsaids in uk veterinary practice
  • Typical UK vet price £26 to £42 per month, based on observed dispensary list pricing across UK practices.
  • Cheapest VMD-approved online from around £0.18 per month, versus £0.25 at the upper end of the same six pharmacies.
  • Prescription works the same way, ask your vet for a written Metacam (Meloxicam) prescription (capped at £21), dispense online.
  • Main side effect to watch for: vomiting, review the full list with your prescribing vet before starting or changing dose.

Live verified pricing

Just checkedLast refreshed 17 May 2026

We checked the pharmacy product page directly. Prices below are the actual per-unit list price for the variant linked, confirm on the pharmacy site before buying.

See your saving over a year

Pick your dog's weight (and optionally your vet's actual quote) to see the exact monthly and annual saving. The price comparison table below sorts pharmacies by cheapest first; we never sort by commission.

Typical vet price
£26.00,£42.00/mo
indicative UK range
Cheapest online
£5.52/mo
Pet Drugs Online
Annual saving
£245.76,£437.76
after £21 prescription fee: £224.76,£416.76

Based on a 15 kg dog, recommended strength: 1.5 mg/ml. Assumes 12 months of continuous use (chronic dosing) and one written prescription per year. CMA Order caps the prescription fee at £21 for the first medicine, plus £12.50 per additional medicine on the same prescription. Prices are indicative and last verified 2026-05-15. Always confirm the current price on the pharmacy site before purchase.

Your vet's dispensaryYou're here now
Monthly£26.00,£42.00/mo
Pet Drugs OnlineBest value
VMD approved · Free over £39
Pack180 ml
£33.12/pack
Monthly
£5.52/mo
Save £28.48/mo

Last refreshed: 17 May 2026. Always confirm the current price on the pharmacy site before purchase.

Why it costs more at the vet

Generic meloxicam is cheap to produce. Vets stock the branded Metacam at premium pricing because owners do not realise generic alternatives exist.

Common side effects

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Reduced appetite

Not a complete list. Always read the patient information leaflet and speak to your vet about side effects.

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How to get a written prescription

The CMA Order is legally binding by 23 September 2026. Every UK vet must offer a written prescription on request, with the fee capped at £21 for the first medicine plus £12.5 per additional medicine on the same prescription. Take the prescription to any VMD-approved online pharmacy listed above.

Read the full prescription guide →

Common questions

Is generic meloxicam the same as Metacam?
Yes. Several VMD-approved generic meloxicam liquids are bioequivalent to Metacam and typically 30-50% cheaper.

Track Metacam (Meloxicam) price drops

We'll email when Metacam (Meloxicam) drops in price at any of the pharmacies above.

Stop overpaying for Metacam (Meloxicam).

Same medicine, same regulator, same vet relationship, half the price. Five-minute switch from in-clinic dispensing to a VMD-approved online pharmacy.

Pricing data status: indicative. Last verified 2026-05-15. Pharmacies change prices regularly, always confirm before purchase. Not medical advice.