🐾 PET RESCUERS 🐾 SCAN ANGELS 🐾 ANIMAL LAW 🐾 SOLENSIA
Solensia - Information
What is Solensia?
How does Solensia work?
Solensia targets nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a key role in transmitting pain signals to the brain. By binding to NGF, Solensia prevents it from attaching to its receptors on nerve cells, thereby interrupting pain signal transmission. However, Solensia does not treat the underlying osteoarthritis; it only addresses the pain. Therefore, if you choose to use Solensia, it is strongly recommended to support your cat’s joints with appropriate supplementation as well.
Please note:
⚠️ Solensia was tested for 168 days, on 401 cats only (across two field studies).
As acknowledged by Zoetis' CEO during one of the interviews, Solensia's long-term effects of use remain officially unknown.
⚠️ The same interview revealed that Solensia should not be administered to cats with pre-existing neurological disorders, as it may aggravate the condition.
⚠️ Feedback from the pet owners indicates that Solensia should not be given to cats with pre-existing kidney disease, as it may aggravate the condition (contrary to the information provided in the product leaflet). Adverse reactions data (global) can be found below.
Why is targeting NGF a problem?
NGF plays a role far beyond pain signaling—it is crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally, NGF regulates the growth and differentiation of B-lymphocytes and supports the maturation of T-cells during infections, making it a key regulator of your cat’s immune system. It is also essential for the maintenance and survival of pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production, among many other vital functions. Targeting NGF can lead to devastating consequences in your cat's body. Solensia does not know which NGF transmit the pain, it targets them randomly, which can lead to various immune system and neurological system' issues.
What are the side effects of Solensia?
The list of reported side effects associated with Solensia is extensive, including (but not limited to):
- Skin issues: scabs, fur loss, itching.
- Gastrointestinal issues: vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool.
- Neurological disorders: seizures, twitches, hearing loss, vision loss, ataxia (loss of balance), paralysis.
- Cancer.
- Organ failure: kidney, liver, pancreas, or multi-organ failure.
- Death.
COMPLETE LIST OF REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS:
🐾 Solensia sADR data
🐾 FDA's detailed list of reported side effects (from January 2022 through June 2024)
⚠️ Due to the severity and scale of its side effects, Solensia should be considered only as an absolute last resort—not a first option (or - ideally - not be considered at all). Before opting for Solensia, ensure you have explored all other available osteoarthritis treatments for your cat (see below).
When do the side effects occur?
It varies—some cats experience them immediately, while for others, they may appear after months (or years) of use. This depends on several factors, including any pre-existing health conditions, existing medications (e.g., glucocorticoids), and the individual cat’s level of NGF. Since NGF levels differ between cats, those with higher NGF may not exhibit side effects immediately but could develop them after several months of continuous injections.
What Can I do if my cat experiences side effects?
Discontinue further injections immediately, as they may worsen the situation. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible!
Please note:
⚠️ Solensia is not a "normal" drug, but a monoclonal antibody "treatment". Since it binds to your cat's NGF, it is impossible to flush it out of the system. You need to wait for it to decay.
In many cases, glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisolone, dexamethasone) may provide relief by suppressing your cat's immune system and increasing NGF levels, ergo lowering body's response to foreign "object" (Solensia), which minimizes the side effects (medical journal articles on steroids increasing NGF can be found in "media coverage").
Natual supplements like Lion’s Mane increase NGF as well.
When will Solensia be out of my cat's system?
In cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA), the half-life of frunevetmab has been determined to be approximately 10–12 days, ergo a full clearance from a single injection takes ~2.5 months; longer if more injections were given.
🐾 To assist you in estimating when Solensia may be fully cleared from your cat’s system, we have created a Solensia Half-Life Calculator, available for download below (Excel format). Alternatively, you can open it in the Google Docs format here.
How can I report any side effects and whom should I report them to?
⚠️ For the United Kingdom 🇬🇧:
Please note, you can no longer report adverse reactions directly to VMD, but are required to report them to Zoetis, who must then report them to VMD within 30 days (more info on this can be found here).
To report adverse reactions to Zoetis, you can either:
- Use this form,
- call 0345 300 8034,
- email customersupportuk@zoetis.com
For other countries:
Any side effects should be reported to Zoetis and the authorities. Reporting instructions, emails, phones, links to the forms etc. can be found here.
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Additionally, you can share your story on the "Solensia K*lled My Cat... Solensia - Class Action | LFPCSA" Facebook group to help raise awareness among other cat owners, or email us directly at help@lfpcsa.co.uk.
We would also greatly appreciate if you could please sign the petition to recall Solensia and Librela from the UK market.
Lastly, if you're interested in participating in the class action against Zoetis in the UK, you can sign up here.
All necessary links also grouped below.
If not Solensia, then what? Are there any alternatives?
Yes, there are numerous alternatives to consider:
Nutritional Supplements
- YuMove or Green-Lipped Mussel Supplements: Help reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
- Cosequin or Dasuquin: Contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint cartilage.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, they can reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
- Turmeric (version for cats!): Known for its great anti-inflammatory properties; one of the best joint supplements.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Known for its nerve-regenerative properties.
- Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): A natural compound that helps reduce pain and inflammation.
- CBD Oils for Cats: Specifically formulated without terpenes, which can be toxic to cats.
- Cordyceps: A medicinal mushroom that has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It may also help improve joint function and reduce pain.
Physical Therapy
- Acupuncture: Stimulates natural healing and reduces pain.
- Cold Laser Therapy (e.g., HelioPet, Assisi Loop)⚠️ : Helps reduce inflammation and promotes tissue repair.
- Hydrotherapy: Gentle water-based exercises to improve mobility.
⚠️ Please avoid purchasing generic "cold laser" devices from Amazon or eBay unless they are classified as medical devices, UKCA certified 🇬🇧, and registered with the MHRA 🇬🇧 (or meet the medical device certification and registration requirements in your country).
Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on joints.
- Orthopedic Beds: Provide additional support and comfort for resting.
- Ramps and Steps: Help your cat access favorite places without jumping.
- Heating Pads: Soothe stiff and painful joints.
Medications
- Gabapentin: Commonly used for pain management.
- Meloxicam⚠️: A feline NSAID, but requires careful monitoring by a vet .
⚠️ In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe meloxicam for cats, but only under strict guidelines and for short-term use. Regular blood tests and monitoring of kidney function are essential to detect any early signs of toxicity.
Emerging Therapies
- Stem Cell Therapy: Shows promise in regenerating damaged joint tissues.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Uses the cat's own platelets to promote healing.
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🐾 Full Guide to Alternative OA Treatment for Cats can be downloaded below.
Please always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new treatment to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your cat's condition and overall health.
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