Severe Side Effects Linked to Popular Dog Arthritis Medication

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from arthritis, and it’s concerning when their medication exacerbates the issue. Recently, the FDA alerted veterinarians to severe adverse events linked to the arthritis drug Librela (bedinvetmab injection).

Here’s what you should know about the FDA’s findings and what to do if you believe your dog has suffered an adverse event due to being treated with Librela.

What is Librela?

Librela, sponsored by pet health company Zoetis, is an antibody treatment given by injection used to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Librela was first reviewed and approved by the FDA in May 2023, becoming the first monoclonal antibody drug of its kind after determining it to be safe and effective for its intended use. If prescribed, Librela is dosed based on a dog’s weight and given as a monthly injection.

Adverse Events Linked to Librela

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine summarized and reviewed adverse events linked to Librela between the approval date of May 5, 2023, and March 2024. Based on the report’s findings, the following events identified include:

• Ataxia (loss of muscle control)
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Paresis (partial loss or impairment of muscle function)
• Recumbency (inability to stand)
• Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
• Polyuria (excessive urination)
• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

In some cases, death (including from euthanasia) was reported as the outcome of these adverse events.

In a company press release, Zoetis’ Chief Medical Officer Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, states the company is taking all new information seriously and is closely monitoring new reports of adverse events. Additionally, Goldstein advises veterinarians to rule out any potential alternate diagnoses to osteoarthritis before prescribing Librela, as the drug’s only approved use is for managing osteoarthritis pain.

Reporting Potential Adverse Events from Librela

Since Librela is a prescribed drug, owners of dogs treated with Librela should talk with their veterinarian about any potential side effects they may have noticed at home following a Librela injection.

The FDA advises U.S. veterinarians to report adverse effects from Librela directly to Zoetis by calling 1-888-963-8471 , who is required to submit said reports to the FDA. Veterinarians can also report directly to the FDA.