(For veterinary information only)
WARNING
The size of the tablet/medication is NOT an indication of a proper dose. Never administer any drug without your veterinarian's input. Serious side effects or death can occur if you use drugs on your pet without your veterinarian's advice.
It is our policy not to give dosing information over the internet.
Brand Name: LibrelaTM in the US; Beransa in Australia
Available in 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mg/mL sterile injectable solution
Single-use vials without preservatives
Uses of this Medication
Bedinvetmab is indicated for the relief of osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
- It is given by your veterinarian as a once-a-month subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
- Dosage is determined by the dog’s weight.
How this Medication Works
The active substance in LibrelaTM is bedinvetmab, a monoclonal antibody (a type of protein made in the laboratory) designed to recognize and attach to a protein produced in your dog’s body called nerve growth factor (NGF). Once attached, bedinvetmab prevents NGF from attaching to its receptors (targets) on nerve cells and interrupts the transmission of pain signals. It also helps decrease inflammation.
Side Effects
- Because it is an antibody, the body handles bedinvetmab much differently than other drugs. This reduces the risk of side effects and drug interactions.
- Possible pain at the injection site, dermatitis (skin inflammation), bacterial skin infection, urinary tract infections.
Important Information: Please Read
- Many complaints have been made about the potential for serious and possibly fatal side effects caused by Librela in dogs.
- Serious side effects did not occur in dogs receiving Librela in clinical trials supporting approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
- However, some of these more serious side effects may not show up until the drug has been used by millions of dogs.
- The Food and Drug Administration and Zoetis will work together to monitor the incidence of side effects to Librela.
- At the time of this publication, the Food and Drug Administration has not caused Zoetis to alter the Librela package insert to cite any other serious side effects.
- The risk of these side effects must be balanced by the very large number of dogs that appear to be benefiting from this drug. The risk of serious side effects can be reduced by making sure that Librela is not used on pets that have other serious illnesses.
Interactions with Other Drugs
- No interactions were seen in field studies where this veterinary medicinal product was administered along with veterinary products containing parasiticides, antimicrobials, topical antiseptics with or without corticosteroids, antihistamines, and vaccines.
- If vaccines are to be administered at the same time as the injection of bedinvetmab, injections should be given at different sites to reduce any potential impact of immunogenicity (immune response) of a vaccine.
Contraindications
- Not intended for use in dogs under 12 months of age.
- Not intended for use in dogs intended for breeding.
- Contraindicated in pregnant or lactating dogs.
Concerns and Cautions
It is not recommended that owners give the bedinvetmab injection to pets themselves. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should take particular care to avoid self-injection, as hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) could potentially result.
Vials should be discarded after being punctured.
Because bedinvetmab is administered only at your veterinarian’s office, pet owners will not be concerned with the drug’s storage or disposal of used vials.