Librela for Dogs: A Monthly Injection to Treat Arthritis
Key takeaways:
Librela (bedinvetmab) is a once-a-month injectable medication used to reduce arthritis-related pain in dogs.
Bedinvetmab, the active ingredient in Librela, is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the sensation of arthritis pain.
Librela is only available through licensed veterinarians and must be given by a veterinarian or vet tech each month.
Table of contents
The most common form of joint disease in dogs is osteoarthritis (arthritis). Arthritis causes pain, loss of mobility, and reduced range of motion. It negatively impacts the quality of life for millions of dogs in the U.S.
Fortunately, there are several medication options to reduce your dog’s arthritis symptoms. One of the newer medical options is Librela (bedinvetmab).
Librela for dogs at a glance
Common names | Librela (bedinvetmab) |
What it treats | Arthritis pain |
How it comes (forms) | Once-a-month injection |
Common side effects | Urinary tract infection Bacterial skin infection Dermatitis (skin inflammation) Pain at the injection site Inappropriate urination |
What is Librela, and how does it work?
Librela is an injectable medication to manage arthritis pain in dogs. The active ingredient in Librela is bedinvetmab.
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Bedinvetmab is a monoclonal antibody. It blocks a chemical messenger called nerve growth factor, or NGF, which sends pain signals to the brain. By blocking NGF, bedinvetmab stops the sensation of joint pain in dogs due to osteoarthritis.
Librela is the first monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA to treat chronic arthritis pain in dogs.
How is Librela given to dogs?
Librela is given as an injection once a month. Your veterinarian or a licensed vet tech must give the injection. It’s not a medication you can give yourself.
Your veterinarian will calculate the exact dose your dog needs based on their weight. They’ll be aiming to give your dog 0.23 mg of Librela per pound of body weight so the medication works most effectively.
How do you know if Librela is working?
You may or may not see improvement in your dog’s pain after just one dose. Some dogs will show improvement as soon as 7 days after the first injection. But most dogs will require two doses of Librela before you start to notice an improvement.
Signs that the medication is working include:
Decreased limping
Improvement in stair climbing, jumping, and playing
Better sleep at night and sleeping less during the day
Improved energy levels and play behaviors
Improved mood
Less difficulty getting up
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What are the common side effects of Librela in dogs?
Librela has been extensively tested for safety and is generally well-tolerated by most dogs. The most common side effects reported by the manufacturer include:
Urinary tract infection
Bacterial skin infection
Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
Pain at the injection site
Inappropriate urination
If you notice any side effects after your dog receives Librela, talk to your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Librela is considered a long-acting medication, meaning side effects can take days to weeks to resolve, depending on the dog.
What are the most serious risks of Librela for dogs?
Serious side effects associated with Librela are rare, but can include:
Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Excessive sleepiness
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Swelling or tumor development at the injection site
Anaphylaxis
If you notice your dog has serious side effects, call your veterinarian for advice.
Some veterinarians may require blood work to check internal organ function and BUN levels prior to giving your dog Librela.
Librela has not been studied for safety or effectiveness in dogs that are younger than 12 months old. So it should not be used in these dogs or dogs that are breeding, pregnant, or lactating.
Potential side effects of using Librela longer than 9 months have not been evaluated.
Nerve growth factor, the chemical messenger blocked by Librela, is also present in the heart and blood vessels. The long-term effects of using Librela in dogs that have heart disease has not been evaluated. Librela should be used with caution in these animals.
Does Librela interact with any other dog medications?
Because Librela is a newer medication, experts don’t know a lot about how it interacts with other dog medications. Veterinary experts are particularly cautious about giving Librela with other pain medications for dogs.
If your dog is due for a vaccine, your veterinarian may decide to give Librela during a different appointment. This is because the effects of dogs getting Librela and vaccines at the same time haven’t been studied yet.
Before your dog is treated with Librela, be sure to tell your veterinarian about any and all medications, vitamins, and supplements you give your dog. They can tell you what medications to use to control arthritis pain in your dog.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Librela?
If your dog has been prescribed Librela, your veterinarian will schedule the next dose each month. After your dog receives their first injection, ask to be sent reminders about your dog’s next injection appointment.
If you forget to bring your dog in for their monthly Librela injection, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to reschedule.
The bottom line
Librela is the first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody therapy used to treat arthritis pain in dogs. It is only available in injectable form and must be given by a veterinarian each month.
Librela is generally safe and well-tolerated by most dogs. Some dogs will experience side effects such as pain at the injection site or skin inflammation. It can also take a couple months of Librela injections before you start to notice some improvement in your dog. Talk with your veterinarian to see if Librela is the right choice for your dog.
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References
American College of Veterinary Surgeons. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis in dogs.
Bimonte, S., et al. (2021). The role of anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies in the control of chronic cancer and non-cancer pain. Journal of Pain Research.
Brooks, W. (2023). Medications for degenerative arthritis in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
NEWStat. (n.d.). What approval for canine OA treatment Librela means for dogs (and the people who love them). American Animal Hospital Association.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves first monoclonal antibody for dogs with osteoarthritis pain.
Zoetis Inc. (2023). Librela [package insert].
Zoetis Inc. (2023). Librela: Product information [package insert]. Vet Label.
