Frunevetmab

By Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, CCRP

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.

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?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember and then wait for the recommended amount of time between doses. Never give your pet two doses at once and never give extra doses.

Are there any potential side effects?

Side effects seen in drug trials include:

  • pain at the injection site 
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • appetite loss
  • itching, scabbing, and hair loss on the head and neck

Anxiety and ear infections have also occurred occasionally during safety studies, but the significance of these signs is not known.

Very rarely, severe side effects have occurred:

  • allergic reactions characterized by facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse

Long-term side effects occurring more than six months after using frunevetmab have not been evaluated.

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.

If inadvertent human dosing occurs, contact your physician immediately.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

Frunevetmab SHOULD NOT BE USED in cats that are:

  • allergic or sensitive to it 
  • breeding, pregnant, or nursing
  • less than 5.5 pounds (2.5kg) in weight

Frunevetmab SHOULD BE USED WITH CAUTION in cats:

  • who receive other monoclonal antibody treatments
  • who are on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, meloxicam, robenacoxib)
  • who have pre-existing diseases

Use of frunevetmab in later stages of kidney disease has not been assessed.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

At this time, drug interactions have not been reported. Although not specifically evaluated, during the safety study for this medication, the following medications were used simultaneously with no apparent adverse effects: parasiticides, antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, antiemetics, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, vaccines, immunotherapy, antihistamines, and other antipruritics.

In human trials of human anti-NGF monoclonal antibody therapy, some patients also receiving NSAIDs developed rapidly progressing osteoarthritis (RPOA). This condition has not ever been reported in cats.

If your cat is given this medication at a vaccination visit, the medication should be injected at a different site on her body than where the vaccines are injected.

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) your pet takes.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

Before your cat starts frunevetmab, your veterinarian may recommend baseline bloodwork and urinalysis. 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.

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. 
  • Discard vials after use.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

Call your veterinary office immediately if you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication. If they are unavailable, follow their directions for contacting an emergency facility.

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