What is bedinvetmab?
Bedinvetmab (brand name: Librela®) is an immunotherapeutic/biologic medication used to alleviate osteoarthritic pain in dogs. It is a monoclonal antibody therapy that reduces pain signaling between the arthritic joint and the central nervous system by binding and neutralizing nerve growth factor (NGF). Bedinvetmab is only used in dogs.
How is bedinvetmab administered?
- Bedinvetmab is given by an injection under the skin at the veterinary clinic.
- If your dog is given bedinvetmab at a vaccination visit, the medication should be injected at a different site on the body than where the vaccines are injected.
- If inadvertent human dosing occurs, contact your physician immediately.
You may notice improvements in your dog’s mobility within a few days to weeks of the injection; however, it may take more than 1 month of use before optimal results are reached.
If there is no improvement after the second injection, or if the dog doesn’t continue to respond after subsequent injections, talk to your veterinary team about other pain management options.
What if I miss giving a dose to my dog?
If you miss a dose, contact your vet to schedule the next administration appointment as soon as you remember, and then follow their directions for scheduling future administration.
Are there any potential side effects?
Side effects seen during clinical trials of bedinvetmab include:
- Mild reactions at the injection site (heat, swelling, pain)
Since the FDA approved this drug, there have been reports of adverse effects associated with the use of bedinvetmab. These effects include:
- Anaphylactic reaction
- Ataxia (loss of muscle control or coordination/balance problems)
- Diarrhea
- Increased drinking and urination
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness or tremors
- Paresis or paralysis
- Seizure
- Urinary leakage or accidents
- Vomiting
There have been very rare reports of signs of immune-mediated diseases like hemolytic anemia (red blood cell destruction) or thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets). These rare and very rare side effects were reported in pets receiving bedinvetmab, but that does not necessarily mean they were caused by the medication.
Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary and ensure all follow-up lab work and exams are completed as directed by your veterinarian.
Long-term side effects occurring more than nine months after using bedinvetmab have not been evaluated.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
DO NOT USE bedinvetmab in:
- Dogs that are allergic or sensitive to it
- Dogs that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing
- Dogs under 12 months of age
- Dogs that are experiencing a change in their health (new or unstable health condition)
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Large-breed dogs whose bone growth is not complete
- Dogs that receive other monoclonal antibody treatment
- Dogs that are on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Dogs with pre-existing medical issues, including balance problems, trouble standing, seizures, and urinary conditions
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
At the time of this handout’s publishing, drug interactions have not been reported. The chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with bedinvetmab has not been evaluated in dogs. In human trials of human anti-NGF monoclonal antibody therapy, some patients also receiving NSAIDs developed rapidly progressing osteoarthritis (RPOA). This condition has never been reported in dogs.
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- Your veterinarian may recommend baseline bloodwork and urinalysis before your cat starts bedinvetmab.
- During long-term use, your veterinarian may recommend periodic monitoring with blood, urine and recheck examinations to ensure your dog’s pain is adequately managed and to screen for underlying conditions that may affect treatment.
- Talk to your veterinary team about your dog’s health, including mobility and pain assessment, before every injection.
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, contact your veterinarian right away. Side effects should also be reported to the manufacturer.
It is important to note that dogs with reduced mobility due to arthritic pain may over-exercise when they start bedinvetmab. To prevent injury, talk to your veterinarian about how to gradually re-introduce exercise.
Bedinvetmab may become less effective with repeated administration, as dogs may develop antibodies to the therapy product (anti-drug antibodies).
How do I store bedinvetmab?
- Store this medication in the refrigerator between 35°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C).
- Protect it from freezing and direct sunlight.
- Store this medication in its original package.
- Discard vials after use in accordance with local waste requirements.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
