Important Notice: Adverse Events Reported with Librela for Dogs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued a “Dear Veterinarian Letter” concerning reports of adverse events in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection). These adverse events refer to serious side effects that could potentially harm your dog’s health.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to carefully consider the potential risks of any medication before administering it to your dog. In light of these concerns, I recommend exploring some safer, well-studied alternatives to support your dog’s joint health.

Effective Alternatives to Consider for Joint Support

There are several proven alternatives to Librela that can provide excellent joint support for your dog, without the associated risks. These include:

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin
  These are widely used and studied supplements that help promote cartilage health and reduce inflammation in the joints.

• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
  Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, MSM can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility.

• Cannabinoids
  Cannabinoid-based products, like CBD oil, have shown promise in managing pain and inflammation, particularly in dogs with chronic joint issues.

• 95% Curcumin
  Curcumin, derived from turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can help manage joint pain and swelling.

Introducing Dr. Jones’ HEMP INFUSED Joint Care Chews for Dogs

One of the latest additions to our supplement line is Dr. Jones’ HEMP INFUSED Joint Care Chews for Dogs. This new chewable supplement combines many of the ingredients mentioned above, offering a tasty and effective alternative to support your dog’s joint health.

With a blend of natural ingredients, including hemp extract, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and curcumin, this supplement is designed to be both palatable and beneficial for your dog.

Before making any changes to your dog’s treatment plan, I encourage you to discuss these alternatives with your veterinarian to ensure the best course of action for your pet’s health.

Understanding Librela: What Every Pet Parent Should Know About This New Arthritis Drug for Dogs

Today, I want to share important information about Librela, a new arthritis medication for dogs, that every pet parent should be aware of.

What Is Librela?

Libera (bedinvetmab injection) is a monoclonal antibody recently approved to manage arthritis pain in dogs. Administered as a monthly injection, Librela was fast-tracked for FDA approval in May 2023 based on limited pre-approval studies. While it appeared promising, alarming reports of side effects have surfaced since its release.

Serious Adverse Events Linked to Librela

As of April 2024, the FDA has received 3,674 reports of adverse events related to Librela, including:

• Neurological issues: Ataxia, seizures, weakness, and paralysis
• Other symptoms: Urinary incontinence, excessive thirst, and frequent urination
• Severe cases: Death, including euthanasia

Shockingly, the majority of these adverse events occurred within the first week of administration. Nearly 70% of reports came after the very first dose, and one-third of these incidents took place within 24 hours. What’s even more concerning is that these side effects occurred even when no other medications were being used alongside Librela.

The FDA’s Limited Power

The FDA has issued a “Dear Veterinarian Letter” to warn of these adverse events. However, they do not have the authority to mandate safety-related label changes to Librela’s manufacturer. This means that many pet parents might not be aware of these serious risks when considering this drug for their pets.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

It’s important to understand that pre-approval studies for veterinary drugs typically involve small sample sizes and may not fully reflect real-world risks. Large pharmaceutical companies can fast-track medications to market, leaving pets exposed to side effects that aren’t listed on the drug’s label. This lack of transparency can lead to devastating consequences for your beloved pets.

My Advice as an Online Veterinarian

With over 20 years of experience as a veterinarian and creator of Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE line of Natural Pet Supplements, I always advocate for safer, natural alternatives to support your pet’s health. Arthritis can be effectively managed with home remedies and supplements, including:

• Joint support supplements: Look for glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and support joint health
• Weight management: Help alleviate stress on your pet’s joints
• Gentle exercise: Promote mobility and reduce stiffness
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, and cold laser therapy

What You Can Do

If your dog has been administered Librela, it’s essential to monitor them closely for any unusual behavior or symptoms, particularly during the first week. If you notice anything concerning, contact your veterinarian right away. Additionally, report any adverse events to the FDA to help ensure transparency and accountability in the future.

P.S. Our pets depend on us to make informed, safe decisions about their health. By staying educated and advocating for safer treatments, we can protect them from unnecessary harm. Thank you for trusting me to guide you in your pet’s health journey.

P.P.S. If you’re looking for arthritis treatments for your dog, I recommend considering natural options first. Many pet parents have had great success with our NEW Dr. Jones’ HEMP-INFUSED Joint Care Chews for Dogs, which support joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility—without the risks associated with prescription drugs.