Frunevetmab

What is frunevetmab?

Frunevetmab (Solensia®) is a formulation of feline anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF) antibodies used to control osteoarthritis pain in cats. The medication reduces pain signaling between the arthritic joint and the central nervous system. Frunevetmab is only used in cats.

How is frunevetmab given?

• Frunevetmab is given by an injection under the skin, usually at the veterinary clinic.
• If frunevetmab is given at the same time as a vaccination, it should be injected at a different site on the body than the vaccines.
• If inadvertent human dosing occurs, contact your physician immediately.
• Cats should be evaluated for new or changed health concerns before each injection.

You may notice improvement in your cat’s mobility within a few days to weeks of the first injection; however, it may take more than one month of use before optimal results are reached.

What if I miss giving a dose to my cat?

If your cat misses an injection, talk to your veterinarian about when to schedule their next dose.

Are there any potential side effects?

Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Pain at the injection site
• Allergic reactions characterized by facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, pale gums, panting or collapse
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Increased drinking and urination
• Skin irritation including redness, itching, scabbing, and hair loss
• Ear infections
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Difficulty balancing, walking or jumping
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Weakness
• Behavioral changes including hiding, anxiety, and increased vocalization

Ensure all follow-up lab work and exams are completed as directed by your veterinarian. Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment  and notify your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. Long-term side effects occurring more than 6 months after using frunevetmab have not been evaluated. 

Side effects are believed to occur more commonly in cats with underlying disease. It is important to inform your veterinarian of any changes you notice before every frunevetmab injection. Side effects can also be reported directly to the pharmaceutical company, as well as the FDA or Health Canada. 

This long-acting treatment will lose effectiveness around 4 weeks, although side effects can last longer in some cases. Frunevetmab can also become less effective over repeated uses if your cat develops antibodies to it.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE frunevetmab in:

• Cats that are allergic or sensitive to it
• Cats that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing
• Cats that weigh less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)
• Cats less than 7 months of age

USE WITH CAUTION in:

• Cats that receive other monoclonal antibody treatments
• Cats that are on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; meloxicam, robenacoxib)
• Cats that have pre-existing diseases

Any new health concerns or changes to pre-existing disease may warrant additional testing to ensure frunevetmab is a good treatment option for your cat, even if they have benefited from it in the past. Use of frunevetmab in later stages of kidney disease has not been assessed.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

There are no documented drug interactions for this medication. In human trials of human anti-NGF monoclonal antibody therapy, some patients also receiving NSAIDs developed rapidly progressing osteoarthritis (RPOA). This condition has not been reported in cats.

Before every frunevetmab injection, be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, herbal therapies, or other monoclonal antibody treatments) your pet is taking or has received. 

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Your veterinarian may recommend baseline bloodwork and urinalysis before your cat starts frunevetmab.
• During long-term use, your veterinarian may recommend periodic monitoring with blood, urine, and recheck examinations to ensure your cat’s pain is adequately managed and to screen for underlying conditions that may affect treatment.
• Your veterinarian will let you know when and how they want to reassess your pet to ensure the medication is working and not causing side effects.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any occur, stop using the medication and contact your veterinarian. 

How do I store frunevetmab?

• Store this medication in the refrigerator between 35°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C).
• Protect it from freezing and direct sunlight.
• Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.
• 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. Report any adverse effects to the FDA or Health Canada.