I built this website to include the info I wish I’d found on Nov. 10, 2023 when I searched “Is Librela Safe” on my phone from the vet’s office right before I agreed to give Samson the shot.

If I could go back in time, I would say no to Librela.

Should all pet parents say no to the shot? Definitely not, as some dogs do well on it. But I would love for the team at Zoetis, the manufacturer of Librela (also known as Beransa and Solensia), to be more honest with vets about what’s happening in some pets who take it. I kept detailed records for my boy and got his bloodwork done quite often…you can check out Samson’s story and data here:

See case study

FAQs

  • Librela is a monoclonal antibody injection manufactured by Zoetis. Other names include Beransa (Australia / New Zealand) and Solensia (for cats).

    This drug is designed to block nerve growth factor (NGF) in the joints. If it does this effectively, it prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.

  • When it only works on NGF within the joints, it could be safe. However, NGF is responsible for repairing and protecting nerves in many places in the body. For example, an older dog with degraded nerves in its spine might experience loss of control of its legs when NGF is blocked. This could happen all over the body in any place that has nerve damage.

  • Side effects that have been reported within the "Librela - The Truth" Facebook group include:

    • Sudden onset paralysis of hind legs

    • Sudden onset paralysis of the entire body

    • Seizures

    • Ataxia, dizziness, stumbling

    • Loss of control of hind legs

    • Loss of control of bladder

    • Loss of control of bowels

    • Worsened vision, loss of depth vision

    • Organ damage from massive amounts of cortisol produced from the adrenal glands

    • Polyuria, polydipsia

    • Tachycardia, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, changes in behavior, etc.

    • Cardiac arrest

    • Brain hemorrhages

  • 40 human trials were conducted, and the FDA voted 19-1 against it because of the severe side effects reported by participants.

    One of the most reported side effects by human participants was the rapid progression of osteoarthritis. It is believed that even though pain may be blocked, the underlying condition is not improved and may actually be worsened.

    The drug is still in Phase 4 trials, which are allowed to be administered to pets. It is recommended that a new drug is successfully used for five years in market before it is considered safe; we are currently in year two for Librela.