Librela Side Effects

Librela (bedinvetmab) is a monoclonal antibody approved for the management of osteoarthritis pain in dogs. While generally considered well-tolerated, a range of side effects—some of them serious—have been reported since its introduction.

The most frequently documented adverse events include neurological symptoms such as ataxia (loss of balance), seizures, paresis (weakness), and recumbency (inability to rise). Additional clinical signs have included urinary incontinence, excessive thirst and urination (polydipsia and polyuria), and in some instances, death including euthanasia as an outcome^[1][7].

The majority of adverse effects are observed within the first week after administration, and 30% within the first day. Most cases occurred after the initial dose, and in a significant number of cases, dogs were not receiving any other medications at the same time^[1]. Reports to the FDA have included over 3,600 dogs with adverse events related to Librela as of April 2024^[1].

Further potential side effects documented in prescribing information and veterinary reporting include:

• Pain, swelling, or dermatitis at the injection site^[3][4][5]
• Bacterial skin infection, urinary tract infection^[3][4]
• Polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (increased urination)^[5]
• Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite (anorexia), and weight loss^[3][5]
• Lethargy, tiredness^[3][5]
• Impaired proprioception (knuckling of the paws)^[3]
• Behavioral changes such as acting scared or hiding^[5]
• Digestive signs, such as refusing food or water^[5]
• Recumbency and musculoskeletal weakness or limping^[3]

The risk of adverse effects may be higher in older dogs or those with underlying health conditions, and the duration of side effects can be prolonged due to the medication’s extended half-life (about 19 days)^[5].

If severe side effects occur, or your dog’s condition worsens after injection, contact your veterinarian promptly^[3]. Librela should not be given to dogs with a known hypersensitivity to bedinvetmab and is not approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs^[4]. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive should avoid accidental self-injection, as hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur^[4].

References

• [1] FDA: Adverse events in dogs reported with monoclonal antibody drug
• [3] Librela For Dogs (Bedinvetmab Injection)
• [4] Librela for Pet Owners
• [5] Librela (Beransa) – Wonder Drug Or Disaster In The Making?
• [7] FDA notifies Veterinarians about adverse events reported for Librela