If your pet has been prescribed an anti-inflammatory by your vet, there is a good chance it is either Metacam or Loxicom. Both contain the same active ingredient — meloxicam — but the price difference can be significant. Here is what UK pet owners need to know.

Same Drug, Different Brand

Metacam is the original branded meloxicam product, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. Loxicom is a generic version made by Norbrook. Both are licensed for use in dogs and cats in the UK and contain identical concentrations of meloxicam.

Think of it like branded paracetamol versus a supermarket own-brand. The active ingredient is the same; the price is not.

Price Comparison

Prices vary by practice, but typical UK costs are:

  • Metacam oral suspension (dog, 100ml): £25–£45 from a vet, £18–£30 from an online pharmacy
  • Loxicom oral suspension (dog, 100ml): £15–£30 from a vet, £10–£20 from an online pharmacy

For cats (which use a lower concentration):

  • Metacam cat suspension (15ml): £12–£22 from a vet, £9–£16 online
  • Loxicom cat suspension (15ml): £8–£16 from a vet, £6–£12 online

Over a year of daily use for a dog with arthritis, the savings from choosing Loxicom over Metacam can be £60–£120 or more.

Are They Truly Identical

Pharmacologically, yes. Loxicom must meet the same regulatory standards as Metacam to be licensed by the VMD. The active ingredient, concentration, and bioavailability are equivalent. Some owners report slight differences in palatability (the flavouring may differ), but the clinical effect is the same.

When Are They Prescribed

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for:

  • Post-operative pain relief (after surgery)
  • Musculoskeletal disorders including arthritis
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Dental pain

It is one of the most commonly prescribed veterinary medications in the UK, particularly for older dogs and cats with osteoarthritis.

Safety Considerations

Both products carry the same warnings. Meloxicam should not be used in animals with kidney disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal ulceration, or those who are dehydrated. Long-term use requires periodic blood tests to monitor kidney and liver function — typically every 6 to 12 months.

The CMA found that some practices only stock the branded version and do not offer the generic alternative. You have the right to ask for a written prescription and purchase Loxicom from a licensed online pharmacy. The prescription fee is typically £10–£20 and will often be recouped by the savings on the medication itself.

How to Save

  • Ask your vet if they stock Loxicom as well as Metacam
  • Request a written prescription and compare online pharmacy prices
  • Buy larger bottle sizes where possible — the per-ml cost is lower
  • Check whether your pet health plan includes anti-inflammatory medication

Last updated: March 2026. Prices based on UK veterinary and pharmacy data. Always follow your vet's dosing instructions.