Pain Medication for Dogs Linked to Illnesses and Death

WHO DO YOU SUE? –

Dec. 18, 2024 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert to veterinarians about a popular medication used to control pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs after numerous reports of adverse side effects and death. It’s Librela, a monoclonal antibody drug given by injection that was approved by the FDA in May 2023. From May 5, 2023, through June 30, 2024, just under 6,000 reports of adverse side effects in dogs linked to the medication were reported, according to an FDA report.

Issues reported to the agency include: ataxia, seizures, other neurologic signs, including but not limited to, paresis, recumbency, urinary incontinence; polyuria, polydipsia, and death (including euthanasia).

Prior to approval, the FDA reviewed available studies and other data on Librela and determined Librela to be safe and effective for its intended use for control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs, the agency said.

The FDA said in its warning to veterinarians that if a dog in their care experiences issues it should be reported to Zoetis, the drug’s sponsor, which is required to submit reports of adverse reactions to the FDA.