What Is Frunevetmab?
Frunevetmab (Solensia) is a shot your vet can give your cat to help treat osteoarthritispain in their joints. The medicine works by lowering the pain signals between your cat’s arthritic joints and their central nervous system.
Most cats start to feel better two to three weeks after getting the shot. You should see a noticeable increase in your cat’s activity, like running, jumping, and playing.
Frunevetmab is available only for cats as a shot from your veterinary hospital.
How Is Frunevetmab Used?
Your vet will give frunevetmab to your cat as a shot underneath their skin, usually every four weeks or as needed to control your cat’s pain.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Tell them about any other medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you’re giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.
Frunevetmab isn’t approved for dogs.
What Are the Benefits of Frunevetmab?
There are several benefits, including:
- It’s FDA-approved for cats.
- It can improve your cat’s overall quality of life.
- One shot will help relieve your cat’s pain in two to three weeks and last for up to four weeks.
What Follow-Up Is Required?
You and your veterinarian should monitor your cat to see if their pain improves, as well as for side effects of the medicine. Keep an eye on the site where your cat got the shot to be sure there’s not swelling, redness, or pain. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions.
Does Frunevetmab Have Warnings or Side Effects?
Don't give your cat frunevetmab if they’re allergic to it. And be careful giving it to cats that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing.
Some cats (up to 1.5%) that get frunevetmab shots build up immunity, so it no longer works to control their pain.
Side effects are rare, but they usually happen within a few days of your cat getting the shot. They may include:
- Vomiting
- Low or no appetite
- Loose poop or diarrhea
- Pain at the site of the shot
- Difficulty walking or limping
- Tiredness
Although rare, more serious side effects may include:
- Worsening of current kidney disease
- Weight loss
- Gum changes
- Dehydration
- Total loss of appetite
- Liver disease
If you think your pet is having a serious side effect, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, 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 Frunevetmab Interact With Other Medicines (Drug Interactions)?
Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your cat’s medicines work or increase their risk of serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your cat takes.
There are no specific drug interactions reported with frunevetmab, though it hasn’t been studied with other medicines.
Are There Safety Concerns for Pet Owners?
Since your vet has to give your cat the shots, you shouldn’t have to worry about any safety concerns.
What if My Pet Takes Too Much, Overdoses, or Misses a Dose?
Again, your veterinarian will be handling the medicine and giving your cat the shot, so it’s unlikely your pet will get too much or overdose on frunevetmab.
If you realize you missed a scheduled appointment for a dose of frunevetmab for your cat, call your veterinarian to reschedule. Keeping your cat on schedule to get their shots of frunevetmab is important to make sure their symptoms don’t come back.
How Is Frunevetmab Stored?
Your veterinarian will store vials of frunevetmab in the refrigerator at their office.
