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VMD responds to Librela solution concerns
The drug affects fewer than 15 animals for every 10,000 doses sold.
Recent changes to the SPC show additional rare side effects.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has said that it is ‘constantly reviewing’ Librela Solution for Injection for Dogs, following media reports of adverse events.

The medicinal product, which contains the active substance bedinvetmab, is used for the alleviation of pain caused by osteoarthritis in dogs.

Reports in the media, particularly in the United States of America, throughout 2024 had revealed concerns about adverse effects from the drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement in December describing severe side effects from the popular drug.

As part of its drug authorisation process, the VMD assesses the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines before and after authorisation.

Based on findings from recent reports, the VMD updated the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Librela Solution on 10 December 2024.

The new data reveals that, in rare cases, diarrhoea, emesis, ataxia, urinary incontinence, anorexia and lethargy have been reported. In very rare cases, some dogs have experienced seizures.

Previously recorded adverse events include hypersensitivity reactions, immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

The VMD says that any instances of a suspected adverse event are monitored by its pharmacovigilance team. The team assesses reports submitted to the VMD from both veterinary professionals and animal owners.

As with all medicinal products marketed in the UK, the pharmacovigilance team had been continuously monitoring Librela since it was first released in November 2020.

The VMD states that no medicinal product is 100 per cent risk free. It calculates that, according to its data, fewer than 15 animals experience adverse events for every 10,000 doses of Librela sold.

It tells veterinary professionals and pet owners that it is constantly reviewing adverse event report data for authorised medicines. This means that, for each licensed veterinary product, the benefits of the medicine must outweigh the risks posed by potential adverse events.

To report any adverse effects for a drug, find the Marketing Authorisation Holder’s contact details in the product information or find the product on the Product Information Database. Further information about the Librela Solution for Injection in Dogs can be found here.

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.