What Is Bedinvetmab?
Bedinvetmab (brand name: Librela) is an injectable medicine used in dogs at least 12 months old to control pain that comes with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis where the joints of the body break down over time. Bedinvetmab is classified as a canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody.
Bedinvetmab is used to reduce the pain that comes with arthritis of the joints in dogs. Your dog may start to feel better after the first dose, but it may take two or three months of receiving the injectable medicine for significant improvement. Most dogs will be moving around more easily. They should also have a noticeable increase in activity, such as more running, jumping, and playing.
Bedinvetmab is a monoclonal antibody (MAB), which is a biological medicine (a protein, not a chemical like most other medicines). Bedinvetmab works to block the pain signals from the body to the brain. Bedinvetmab works like the dog’s natural antibodies.
Bedinvetmab is available as an injectable prescription given to your dog in a veterinary clinic.
How Is Bedinvetmab Used?
Bedinvetmab is given to your dog as an injection underneath the skin (subcutaneous) by a veterinary professional. This shot can be repeated every month as needed to control your dog’s pain.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.
What Are the Benefits of Bedinvetmab?
The benefits of bedinvetmab include the following.
- Bedinvetmab is FDA-approved for use in dogs.
- It can improve your dog’s overall quality of life by reducing pain.
- Bedinvetmab starts to relieve your dog’s pain after the first dose and lasts for up to a month with one shot.
- Because bedinvetmab is an injectable medicine given by your veterinarian, you don’t have to struggle giving medicine to your dog yourself.
What Follow-Up Is Required With Bedinvetmab?
You and your veterinarian should monitor your dog for improvement of their condition, as well as for the return of pain or any side effects of the medicine. You will want to monitor your dog’s activity for signs of pain (less running, jumping, playing). You will also want to know where the bedinvetmab injection was given. That way, you can watch that area for an injection site reaction (pain, swelling, redness). Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions.
Does Bedinvetmab Have Warnings or Side Effects?
Do not use bedinvetmab in dogs that are allergic to it. Do not use bedinvetmab in dogs that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing. If the injection is given at the same time as any vaccines, the shots should be given at different places on the dog’s body.
There is a slight risk that a dog receiving bedinvetmab will build an immunity to it and it will no longer control the pain.
Side effects are uncommon, but they usually happen within a few days of the injection if they occur. They may include the following.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Inappropriate urination (peeing)
- Skin irritation or redness
- Tiredness
- Pain where the needle went in
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
Although rare, more serious side effects include:
- Kidney problems
- Skin infections
If you suspect that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.
You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Does Bedinvetmab Interact With Other Medicines (Drug Interactions)?
Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk of serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.
Bedinvetmab has been given safely with short-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other than that, no formal studies with other medicines have been reported.
Are There Safety Concerns for Dog Owners?
Since a veterinary professional will be handling the medicine and will be giving the injection to the dog, there are no safety concerns for dog owners.
What if My Dog Gets Too Much Medicine or Has an Overdose? What if I Miss a Dose of Medicine?
Since a veterinary professional is handling the medicine and giving the injection, it is rare for a dog to receive too much bedinvetmab.
If you realize that you missed a scheduled appointment for a dose of bedinvetmab for your dog, call your veterinarian to reschedule. Remembering and keeping those veterinary appointments is important. You and your veterinarian can discuss your dog’s pain and activity levels, monitoring for any recurrence of symptoms.
How Is Bedinvetmab Stored?
Vials of bedinvetmab are stored in the refrigerator at the veterinary clinic. Avoid shaking and foaming bedinvetmab when handling the vials. Protect it from light. Bedinvetmab vials are single-use only.
