In this article
View 4 More +According to clinical studies, 40% of all cats show some signs of feline osteoarthritis.1 That number dramatically increases as a cat ages. By the age of 12, over 90% of cats have some sign of feline osteoarthritis. Feline osteoarthritis can cause pain, mobility issues, and irritability, which can impact a cat’s quality of life. A new drug technology has improved pain management in cats suffering from feline osteoarthritis. One such drug is Solensia, an injectable monoclonal antibody treatment designed to vastly reduce joint pain in cats.
What Is Solensia?
Solensia is an injectable drug developed by Zoetis for use in cats. Solensia was developed to treat pain stemming from feline osteoarthritis. Solensia is a brand name for the drug Frunevetmab. Solensia is a monoclonal antibody treatment that targets nerve growth factor in cats.
In layman’s terms, the antibodies work to disrupt the flow of pain information from the joints to the brain. This is a different mechanism than NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). NSAIDs work to reduce inflammation. Monoclonal antibody treatments are a relatively new technology with notable success rates.
How Is Solensia Given?
Solensia is given via subcutaneous injection. Solensia is given monthly and must be administered by a veterinarian because it’s injectable. You cannot buy Solensia over the counter and therefore you must get the medication from your veterinarian who will also administer the dose.
Dosing Information
| Dose | Weight |
| 1 mL | 5.5–15.4 pounds |
| 2 mL | 15.5–30.8 pounds |
Solensia should be stored upright in a refrigerated environment with temperatures between 35 and 46˚F. Solensia is designed for single use. After a dose is administered, there is not usually any leftovers, but if there is, the remaining contents must be disposed of. Each dose vial should contain 1 mL of Solensia for use by a veterinary professional.
What Happens if You Miss a Dose?
Since Solensia is given via monthly injection, your veterinarian should schedule you follow up appointments every 4 weeks to receive the next injection. If you miss an appointment, you should call your veterinarian to reschedule. Your cat won’t become unwell from missing a dose, but their pain will return.
Potential Side Effects of Solensia
Solensia, like all drugs, has a number of potential side effects. According to clinical trials, the top eight most common side effects of Solensia include:
- Vomiting
- Injection site pain or redness
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal behaviors
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Dermatitis
- Hair loss
Cats that show signs of an allergic reaction to Solensia should stop treatment immediately. Solensia should not be given to cats who are allergic to it. Solensia can cause minor dermatitis and some spotty hair loss around the injection site. These problems are minor but if you are concerned raise questions with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long Does Solensia Take to Work?
67% of cat owners notice an improvement after 28 days. Even more people reported improvements after 3 months on monthly Solensia injections. By their third dose, most cats will have reduced pain levels. Some cats respond better to Solensia than others. That means that Solensia can take between 1 and 3 months to start working fully.
How Effective Is Solensia?
In a 3-month clinical trial, 77% of owners whose cats were given Solensia reported marked improvement in their pain. Three out of four cats will improve their pain on Solensia over a 3-month period.
Can Solensia Be Given With Vaccines?
Yes. Solensia can be given alongside regular vaccines. This can save owners a trip to the veterinarian’s office. Zoetis recommends that if Solensia is being given with vaccines that the vaccine and Solensia injection should be in separate areas on the cat so that the vet can monitor any potential side effects or reactions.
Can Owners Give Solensia to Their Cats at Home?
No. Owners should not attempt to give Solensia at home. Solensia was developed and designed to be administered by a veterinarian in a professional setting. Solensia cannot be purchased over the counter, and the injection must be given subcutaneously, meaning it should be left to veterinary professionals. If accidentally injected into a human there is the possibility of severe side effects.
Conclusion
Solensia can be an effective treatment for cats suffering from feline osteoarthritis. Solensia should be recommended and administered by a veterinarian. Solensia must be given via injection once per month. You should not attempt to give Solensia to your cat yourself from home. If you have any questions about Solensia and whether this medication could be right for your particular cat, consult your veterinarian for more personalized information.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
6 Responses
Thanks for the info about the Solencia Injection for cats. Mine wasn't showing any signs of arthritis when the veterinarian started her on Solencia. She wasn't having any side effects to it either, so I continued with it until her 8th injection when suddenly the Solencia seemed to stop working. There was more cost to me to have a vet look at my cat Mischa again to find out she might do well on antibiotics to help her with her dental issues and loose teeth. Now that Mischa has calmed down considerably do I keep giving her the Solencia or is the vet wrong not to work out a dental plan to remove her teeth and do a cleaning as well as, or instead of, the Solencia? Thank you in advance if you can send me some advice on this matter. Sorry I forgot to say that, "Mischa has just turned 21 and done well all her life without much veterinarian care". Have a nice day! Thanks very much again.
Hi DEBBIE E VICKERMAN, thank you for reading us. Solencia treats osteoarthritis pain. If your cat wasn’t showing signs of this disease, it is a mystery that only your vet can answer why they decided to start this treatment. The dental issues are independent, and if there is an infection, yes, they need antibiotic treatment and perhaps removal. Only your veterinary dentist, seeing the case, can advise exactly what treatment is needed. You should be able to ask your vet any questions concerning your cat’s case and treatments, as your authorization is needed. If you are unsure about how to approach this and you wish to speak directly with a vet to help you clarify any question or concern, please feel free to contact www.pangovet.com they can help guide you with any specifics about your cat’s case and support you with the best next steps. Thank you.
Solencia was given to my 14 year old cat 4 months ago. He had an immediate reaction and it was really bad. His legs became so weak and rubbery he could only walk a couple of steps without laying down. At this point, he has regained a lot of his front leg strength, but twists his hind legs when walking. He cannot walk on his back pads, but walks on the flat parts of his feet. I feel guilty for allowing my vet to give him this new product. No one mentions what could really happen.
Dear Patricia,
thank you for sharing your story with us, although we are very sorry to hear about your struggles with your cat. First thing we would like to let you know is, that you have no reason to feel guilty about allowing your vet to give your cat this treatment. You only meant the best for your kitty and the truth is, that Solensia has very good success rate.
With that being said, as any other drug, even Solensia has some potential side-effects, although such a severe reaction as you described is extremely rare. We are happy to hear that your cat's situation is improving.
If you would like a second opinion, please book an appointment with one of our veterinarian experts at www.PangoVet.com. They will be happy to talk your situation through, give you some answers, and perhaps even advice on how to take care of your cat further.
Hi, Patricia. I hope that this message finds you! I just gave my 15 1/2 YO cat Solencia and she had the same reaction! Between the vet's office and my home her back leg went limp and she is twisting it around her other back leg as she tries to walk. Did your cat ever get back to the condition he was before the shot?
Hi Rose, sorry to hear about your cat, we recommend having a chat with your vet about this. Prescribing Veterinarians are obligated to report suspected adverse drug events to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) or directly to the drug manufacturer to ensure post-market surveillance. We wish your cat a good recovery.