Librela (bedinvetmab) is a monthly injection for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Manufactured by Zoetis and licensed in the UK since 2021, it has rapidly become one of the most prescribed arthritis treatments. It works by targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in pain signalling, and is the first monoclonal antibody therapy licensed for dogs.

What Does Librela Cost?

  • At your vet: £60–£90 per monthly injection (varies by dog weight and practice)
  • Online pharmacies: Librela is not available from online pharmacies — it must be administered by a vet as an injection
  • Annual cost: £720–£1,080 per year

Unlike tablets or oral medications, Librela cannot be purchased with a written prescription and administered at home. It must be given as a subcutaneous injection by a veterinary professional. This means the usual 40–70% online pharmacy savings do not apply.

What Does Librela Treat?

Librela is licensed for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. It is particularly used for dogs who cannot tolerate NSAIDs (such as Metacam or Previcox), dogs with liver or kidney disease where NSAIDs are contraindicated, or dogs whose arthritis pain is not adequately controlled by traditional painkillers.

How It Works

Bedinvetmab is a caninised monoclonal antibody that binds to nerve growth factor (NGF), preventing it from activating pain receptors. By blocking NGF, it reduces arthritis pain without the gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney side effects associated with NSAIDs. Effects typically last 4 weeks, which is why monthly injections are needed.

Side Effects

Librela is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include:

  • Mild injection site reactions (swelling, redness)
  • Increased urinary tract infections in some dogs
  • Rare reports of neurological symptoms (the VMD has received adverse event reports)
  • Occasional vomiting or diarrhoea

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has been monitoring post-marketing safety reports. Discuss the risk-benefit profile with your vet, particularly for older dogs with multiple health conditions.

Prescription Requirements

Librela is a POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinarian). It can only be prescribed and administered by a veterinary surgeon. There is no option to self-administer at home.

Alternatives to Consider

  • Metacam/Loxicom (meloxicam): NSAID, £15–£35 from online pharmacies — much cheaper but carries GI/kidney risks
  • Previcox (firocoxib): NSAID, £20–£45 from online pharmacies
  • Gabapentin: £5–£15 per month — good add-on pain relief
  • Joint supplements: £10–£25 per month — supportive but not a replacement for pain medication

How to Save

  • Compare vet prices: Librela pricing varies between practices — use VetCost to compare
  • Ask about practice health plans: Some include Librela at a discounted rate
  • Consider combination therapy: Some dogs can reduce Librela frequency when combined with other treatments

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: VMD product datasheet, CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost data.