A medication meant to help dogs with pain has been found to kill them. Librela, also referred to as the bedinvetmab injection, has been used on pups suffering from osteoarthritis since it was introduced and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2023.
![[Dog receives injection]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233702078-912f.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
But the FDA has issued a letter to veterinarians after completing an ‘evaluation of adverse events’ from pet owners who have given Librela to their furry friends. ‘The adverse events identified and analyzed include: ataxia, seizures, other neurologic signs, including but not limited to, paresis, recumbency, urinary incontinence; polyuria, and polydipsia,’ stated the FDA in the letter on Monday.
![[Dog receives injection]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233702006-1e7e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘In some cases, death (including euthanasia) was reported as an outcome of these adverse events.’. There have been more than 3,600 cases of adverse side effects from Librela from 2023 through March of this year. It is administered through subcutaneous injection once per month and with dosage based on the dog’s weight.
Veterinarians who see dogs display symptoms after being treated with Librela are urged to report it to the drug sponsor, Zoetis, which is required to inform the FDA. Vets may also report the incidents directly to the federal agency. The FDA stated that it reviewed available studies on the Librela and determined it to be safe for controlling pain from osteoarthritis, before granting the approval.
