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

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
Animed Direct
VMD approved · Free over £29, next-day available
Pack180 ml
£34.92/pack
Monthly
£5.82/mo
Save £28.18/mo
VetUK
VMD approved · Free over £29
Pack180 ml
£36.00/pack
Monthly
£6.00/mo
Save £28.00/mo
Hyperdrug
VMD approved · Free over £35
Pack180 ml
£38.16/pack
Monthly
£6.36/mo
Save £27.64/mo
PetMeds (Express Chemist)
VMD approved · Free over £40
Pack180 ml
£40.32/pack
Monthly
£6.72/mo
Save £27.28/mo

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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Copy-paste email template, prescription steps and refill setup. From "I just paid too much at the vet" to "I'm saving £X every month".

Open the 5-minute switch guide →

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.