Librela: Words of Caution Regarding This Joint Pain Medication
Hey there, fellow dog mamas! I have some info to share about a drug called Librela that’s supposed to help with joint pain in our fur babies. A client asked me for opinion, so after a little research, here’s some food for thought.
An article by Dr. Josie Beug, a vet certified in acupuncture. You can check out her take here: LIBRELA - by Josie Beug, DVM, CVA
Librela is made by Zoetis, the same company behind Apoquel, which has raised many concerns and is also not a drug I recommend. In fact, I do all I can to get dogs off of Apoquel, and we have typically been very successful.
Likewise, we have many natural alternatives for pain management.
Librela falls under the “maB” (monoclonal antibody) category, kind of like Apoquel. It’s given as an injection by your vet and is aimed at stopping a chemical called “canine nerve growth factor (NGF)” found in arthritic joints.
Now, the tricky part with these drugs is that they’re supposed to target the bad stuff and leave the good stuff alone. But history tells us that’s not always the case with antibiotics and chemo drugs. And NGF? It’s not just about joint pain—it’s essential for the nervous system, neurotransmitters, and neuroplasticity.
The safety studies for Librela only covered a very short 9-month period. That is to say - they have not studied the effects beyond 9 months of use. Arthritis is a long-term condition and progresses with time, so we’re left wondering about the effects of using it for years.
Human versions of this drug class have not been approved. Johnson and Johnson had issues with a “serious bone disorder” in 2010, another company’s NGF caused rapid joint destruction in 2016, and Pfizer’s and Eli Lilly’s attempts in 2021 failed approval when it caused “rapidly progressing osteoarthritis (RPOA).”
Once again, drug companies are not willing to forgo their efforts (and profits) – so why not push it on our dogs? And pet parents who are desperate to offer relief to their pets and many do “what the vet says”.
In a nutshell, there are some major red flags here. If someone suggests Librela for your pup, push back and explore the many natural alternatives available to you. You must be your dog’s advocate and you have options.
Please consider the Raindrop Technique
CBD Ease
Herbsmith Sound Dog Viscosity
Omega 3
PEMF Mat
Cold Laser
Turmeric
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Fresh Anti-Inflammatory Foods (no kibble)
Give me a call if you need to explore options for your dog.
If your dog has had Librela treatment please consider the inclusion of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms