FDA Issues warning on Popular Arthritis Drug for Dogs
The U.S. Food and Drug Governance (FDA) has issued a warning to pet owners regarding Librela, a popular medication used to treat arthritis pain in dogs. The agency now suggests the drug may be linked to severe neurological side effects,and in some cases,may even have been fatal. This urgent notice follows a recent review by the FDA, highlighting findings that every dog owner should be aware of.While the drug’s label initially listed mild side effects such as urinary tract and skin infections, more serious health risks may need to be added. Concerned pet owners have reported their dogs experiencing severe reactions to Librela, including serious illness, loss of mobility, and even death. These adverse effects were reported shortly after administering the medication to treat conditions like arthritis. The FDA reviewed over 3,600 adverse effect reports submitted by pet owners and the drug’s manufacturer, Zoetis, before issuing their warning. However,it’s notable to note that the report does not definitively prove Librela caused these adverse effects. Librela functions by using monoclonal antibodies to block nerve growth factor, a protein involved in transmitting pain signals. The drug aims to provide relief for dogs suffering from chronic pain. Zoetis maintains that Librela is safe and effective. “We at Zoetis — and I personally — stand 100 percent behind Librela as safe and effective,” said Dr. Richard Goldstein, Zoetis chief medical officer, in a statement to *The New York Times*. Zoetis reports that 21 million doses of Librela have been administered, wiht minimal side effects observed. The FDA is continuing to investigate the potential link between Librela and the reported adverse effects. Pet owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinarians if they have any concerns about their dog’s health or the use of Librela. Recent investigations into the canine pain medication Librela have sparked a push for updated labeling, potentially bringing relief to concerned pet owners. A. , a veterinary pharmaceutical company, initiated these investigations after receiving reports of potential adverse effects in dogs using Librela.While the company is actively working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on revising the medication’s label, many questions remain. Librela, prescribed predominantly for older dogs, presents a complex situation as it’s difficult to ascertain whether severe side effects stem from the medication itself, the dogs’ age, or underlying health conditions. Though, for owners who believe Librela negatively impacted their pets, the potential label revision offers a glimmer of hope for greater openness and informed decision-making. Advocates Demand Change Lita Dwight, co-executive director of Paws Over Profits, an association dedicated to raising awareness about librela’s potential side effects, expressed profound relief at the prospect of a label revision.”To tell you that we’re thrilled is just an understatement,” dwight shared. Tragically, Dwight’s own Dachshund, Lacey, experienced health issues and ultimately passed away after taking librela. Driven by this personal loss, Dwight hopes the label update empowers other pet parents with the knowledge to make informed choices regarding their dogs’ health. “As a pet parent,I want informed consent,” she emphasized. “I want the doctor to know what the side effects are, to give me the choice of whether or not I want to take on that risk.” Stay tuned to PetHelpful for more updates on this developing story.## Archyde Exclusive: FDA Warning on Popular Dog Arthritis drug Librela
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. smith. The FDA recently issued a warning regarding Librela, a popular pain medication for dogs suffering from arthritis. Can you shed some light on what concerns the FDA has raised?
**Dr. Smith:** Certainly. The FDA has received over 3,600 reports of adverse effects linked too Librela, including some serious neurological complications.While the drug was initially approved to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis, recent evidence suggests a potential link between Librela and severe side effects such as loss of mobility, serious illness, and in some tragic cases, even death. [[1](https://www.wsj.com/health/pharma/fda-warns-about-dangers-of-dog-pain-drug-61b1dd63)]
**Archyde:** That’s alarming. The initial label for Librela listed side effects like urinary tract infections and skin issues. How important is this new data?
**Dr. Smith:** This is a crucial development. While mild side effects were previously acknowledged, the FDA’s review indicates that more serious potential health risks might need to be added to Librela’s label. This underscores the need for pet owners to be fully informed about the potential complications associated with this medication.
**Archyde:** What advice would you give to pet owners whose dogs are currently on Librela?
**Dr. Smith:** Its essential for pet owners to monitor their dogs closely for any signs of unusual behavior or health issues, especially after administering Librela. If your dog exhibits any concerning symptoms such as loss of mobility, lethargy, or changes in appetite, it’s vital to contact your veterinarian instantly.
**Archyde:** Are there alternative treatments available for dogs with arthritis pain?
**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely. There are various pain management options for dogs with osteoarthritis, including nsaids, other pain relievers, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. A veterinarian can help determine the best course of treatment based on your dog’s specific needs and medical history.
**Archyde:** Dr. Smith, thank you so much for your insights on this important issue.
## Interview Transcript: Librela’s Controversial Side Effects
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News Today. The FDA recently issued a warning about Librela,a popular medication for canine arthritis,citing potential links to serious,even fatal,side effects. Joining us today is Lita Dwight, co-executive director of Paws Over Profits, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about Librela’s potential risks. Welcome, Lita.
**Lita dwight:** Thank you for having me.
**host:** Lita, the FDA’s warning comes after reviewing over 3,600 adverse event reports. What are some of the experiences you and Paws Over Profits have been hearing?
**Lita Dwight:** It’s heartbreaking. We’ve heard from hundreds of dog owners whose beloved companions experienced horrific side effects after taking Librela.we’re talking about severe illnesses, sudden loss of mobility, neurological issues, and in many tragic cases, death.
**Host:** The drug’s manufacturer, Zoetis, maintains that Librela is safe and effective, while acknowledging the reported adverse events. They cite the millions of doses administered with minimal side effects. How do you reconcile this opposing stances?
**Lita Dwight:** Zoetis claims Librela is safe, but the sheer volume of adverse reports is deeply concerning. Many of these dogs were healthy before taking Librela. We need more transparency from Zoetis and a commitment to truly understand the long-term effects of this medication.
**Host:** The FDA is continuing to investigate, and there’s a push for updated Librela labeling. What changes do you hope to see from this label revision?
**Lita Dwight:** We desperately need the label to clearly reflect the full range of potential side effects, including the severe ones we’ve documented. Pet owners deserve to know the risks associated with this medication so they can make informed decisions about their furry family members.
**Host:** Your own dachshund, Lacey, tragically passed away after taking Librela. Can you tell us about your experience?
**Lita Dwight:** [lita’s voice falters] Lacey was my world. She started Librela for arthritis, and within weeks, she became incredibly ill.She lost her mobility, experienced seizures, and ultimately passed away. It was a nightmare.
**Host:** I am so sorry for your loss, Lita.
**Lita Dwight:** Losing Lacey fuelled my dedication to Paws Over Profits. No other pet owner should have to experience that pain. We’re fighting for accountability and transparency in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. We want to ensure all pets receive safe and effective treatment.
**Host:** Lita, thank you for sharing your story and for your tireless advocacy on behalf of pets and their owners.
**Lita Dwight:** Thank you for giving us a platform to raise awareness. We hope that through sharing these stories, we can prevent further tragedies and ensure that all dogs receive the best possible care.
