The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning veterinarians that a popular arthritis drug for dogs could be killing people’s pets.
In a letter on their site, the agency said reported effects of using the Zoetis drug Librela include seizures, lameness and loss of muscle control.
According to the FDA, some dogs have had to be euthanized and others have died as a result of the side effects.
They warned on Monday after more than 3,600 cases of side effects were reported to them between the whole of 2023 and March 2024.
In an April report from The Wall Street Journalthey spoke to several dog owners who had seen their dogs deteriorate after starting to use the drug.
Phil Jordan told the outlet that two weeks after his 12-year-old rescue got her first shot, Daisy started wiggling on her hips and limping.
A week after another dose, she began to become lethargic and lost both her appetite and her ability to walk.
She regained some mobility, but her kidneys failed, and the family subsequently had to euthanize her in March last year.
In a letter on their site, the agency said reported effects of using the Zoetis drug Librela include seizures, lameness and loss of muscle control.
According to the FDA, some dogs have had to be euthanized and others have died as a result of the side effects
The company has said it is safe and effective, as the amount of side effects represents just a fraction of the millions of shots already administered.
In 2023, the FDA approved the drug for pain management to help with osteoarthritis in dogs.
In their letter, they said they approved the drug after reviewing studies and data and determined it to be safe and effective.
The drug was one of the first treatments approved for use in pets, and Zoetis relied on it for big sales, according to the magazine.
The outlet reported that since its approval, it has become the fourth largest pet care product in the country.
In a November earnings call, CEO Kristin Peck said they believe the drug is on track to become a $1 billion franchise.
The company said in a statement: ‘We continue to have the utmost confidence in the safety and efficacy of Librela.
‘Since its launch in Europe over three years ago, Librela has been used effectively in millions of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis pain.’