The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about Librela, a medication approved to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. The agency has identified several serious adverse effects associated with the drug’s use, including seizures, muscle loss, and paralysis, which have led to deaths or euthanasia in some cases.
Librela contains an active ingredient called bedinvetmab, which targets a protein involved in pain regulation. While it is designed to reduce levels of canine nerve growth factor (NGF), the FDA has found that it may cause more serious side effects than initially reported.
The agency has received 3,674 adverse event reports involving Librela as of March 2024. These events have been more common among older dogs, which makes sense given that age is a risk factor for osteoarthritis. The FDA recommends that the manufacturer update its labeling to include these potential side effects and advises dog owners and veterinarians to report any adverse events linked to the drug’s use.
While the FDA acknowledges that it needs more time and research to confirm these serious side effects, it has taken steps to ensure public safety. The agency is advising manufacturers to take proactive measures to address these concerns and will continue to monitor reports of adverse events associated with Librela.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/dog-arthritis-treatment-under-fire-after-reports-of-severe-even-fatal-side-effects-2000541535