Librela For Dogs (Bedinvetmab Injection)

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet. 

What Is Librela Used for in Dogs?

Librela (bedinvetmab) injection is a medication used for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. 

The FDA-approved injection is given to dogs once a month by a veterinarian, typically in a vet office setting. 

OA is a painful, chronic condition that affects dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds—not just older dogs. OA symptoms include: 

• Limping 

• Reluctance to rise from rest 

• Difficulty jumping or navigating stairs 

• Decreased willingness to play 

• Decreased muscle tone 

• Stiffness 

• Swollen joints 

• A “bunny hop” walk (both back legs held tightly together) 

Librela Considerations in Dogs

Librela should not be administered to the following dogs: 

• Dogs with known hypersensitivity to bedinvetmab 

• Breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs 

Librela has not been evaluated in dogs with a history of cruciate ligament rupture in the past six months or in dogs less than 12 months old. 

It is important to note that dogs may develop anti-bedinvetmab antibodies, which can result in Librela injections losing effectiveness over time. 

If your dog has new health problems or their health has recently changed, further tests may be recommended prior to starting or continuing Librela. 

Librela is approved only for dogs at this time and should not be used in any other species. 

How Librela Works in Dogs

The active ingredient in Librela is bedinvetmab. It’s classified as a monoclonal antibody, which is a lab-made protein developed to target certain parts of the body. 

In dogs with OA, cartilage breaks down in the joints, which causes the bones to rub together and cause pain.  

Bedinvetmab specifically binds to a protein messenger called nerve growth factor (NGF), which blocks its ability to communicate pain signals to the brain, thereby preventing the dog from feeling pain. 

Librela for Dogs Directions

Librela is available only by prescription and must be administered at a veterinary practice.  

It is not available for administration at home because your vet’s professional expertise is needed to properly diagnose pain associated with osteoarthritis in your dog, administer the injection, and monitor the safe use of Librela. 

Librela is given as an under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injection once a month, and the dosage is determined by your dog’s weight. 

Missed a Dose? 

If you forget to bring your dog in for their monthly injection, please contact your veterinarian. They will typically schedule an appointment for your dog every four weeks to administer the injection and observe your dog’s response to Librela. 

Possible Side Effects of Librela in Dogs

Librela is generally well-tolerated in dogs. Side effects are uncommon but may include: 

• Pain at the injection site 

• Bacterial skin infection 

• Abnormal skin at the injection site (dermatitis) 

• Abnormal urination 

• Urinary tract infection 

• Vomiting 

• Weight loss 

• Elevated BUN kidney level 

• Loss of effectiveness over time 

After the approval of Librela, additional side effects were reported to the FDA/CVM (FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine) including: 

• Neurological:  

• Ataxia (loss of balance) 

• Seizures 

• Paresis (weakness) 

• Proprioception deficits (knuckling of the paws)  

• Paralysis 

• General: 

• Loss of appetite (anorexia) 

• Tiredness (lethargy) 

• Recumbency (unable to rise from rest) 

• Urinary:  

• Increased thirst  

• Increased urination 

• Straining to urinate  

• Urinary incontinence 

• Musculoskeletal:  

• Weakness  

• Tremors  

• Limping 

Serious side effects can occur with or without warning. Death (including euthanasia) has been reported as a result of the side effects above. 

Speak with your vet to discuss the risks and benefits of Librela for your dog. 

Human Side Effects 

Librela is not an approved medication for humans and accidental injection may cause harm.  

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive should take extreme care to avoid accidental self-injection. Allow veterinary staff to hold and position your dog upon administration by your veterinarian. 

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur in the case of accidental self-injection. If an accidental self-injection occurs, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. 

When To Call Your Vet 

Call your veterinarian if any of the following apply: 

• Severe side effects are seen (see above) 

• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment 

• You see or suspect an overdose 

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Librela 

Librela Overdose Concerns in Dogs

Signs of a Librela overdose may include:  

• Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, soft stools) 

• Skin issues (scabs on the face, abnormal skin at the site of the injection) 

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply. 

• Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435