Librela, known as Beransa in New Zealand, came onto the market in 2023 in both the USA and New Zealand (it has been introduced earlier in the UK and Europe, in 2021). In late 2023, I shared this post from Dr Darryl Millis about things to consider before choosing to use it with your dog.
Librela/Beransa is an injectable treatment for canine osteoarthritis manufactured by Zoetis.
The drug works by targeting and blocking the action of nerve growth factor, NGF, with a monoclonal antibody called bedinvetmab. NGF is a protein that plays a role in the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. By binding to NGF, bedinvetmab prevents NGF from activating its receptors on nerve cells, thus blocking the pain signal.
In December 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an open letter to veterinarians with an update on its evaluation of adverse effects. That report concluded:
Based on the evaluation and analysis of the reports and signs seen for Librela, the
recommendation is to add a Post Approval Experience (PAE) section to the current label:
Post Approval Experience Section (2024)
The following adverse events are based on post-approval adverse drug experience reporting
for LIBRELA. Not all adverse events are reported to FDA/CVM. It is not always possible to
reliably estimate the adverse event frequency or establish a causal relationship to product
exposure using these data.
The following adverse events in dogs are categorized in order of decreasing reporting
frequency by body system and in decreasing order of reporting frequency within each body
system:
Neurologic: ataxia, seizures, paresis, proprioceptive deficits, paralysis
General: anorexia, lethargy, recumbency
Renal/Urinary: polydipsia, polyuria/pollakiuria, urinary incontinence
Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea
Musculoskeletal: muscle weakness, muscle tremors, lameness
In some cases, death (including euthanasia) has been reported as an outcome of the
adverse events listed above.
In addition, we suggest that owners be advised of the adverse reactions that may occur
following administration of Librela.
In the USA, a lawsuit has been filed alleging that Zoetis acted in a negligent manner in promoting its product.
In Australia, a class action lawsuit is being prepared by pet owners who state that their veterinarians described Beransa as a safe and effective drug without known side effects.
Why am I writing this post? To educate and to inform. I’m mindful that many of the commercials for human medications these days remind consumers “All medications have risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor to see if this product is right for you.”
There are veterinarians and dog owners who are reporting good results with this medication, particularly for those dogs who are elderly and for whom other arthritis medications have not worked. If your vet has recommended Beransa, be sure they have explained the possible risks to you and that you are happy to accept those risks on behalf of your dog.
Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 