Solensia for Pets

Solensia is a veterinary prescription pain medication used to control osteoarthritis pain in cats. It is a long-acting monthly injection given by a veterinarian and is not approved for dogs.

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Solensia Quick Facts

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Drug class

Monoclonal antibody pain medication that targets nerve growth factor (anti-NGF).

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Common brand name

Solensia®

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Form

Injection given under the skin by a veterinarian.

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Species approved for

Cats only in the U.S. It is not approved for dogs.

What Solensia Is Used For

Solensia contains frunevetmab and is FDA-approved for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats. Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that can cause stiffness, reduced jumping, trouble with stairs, decreased grooming, and changes in activity or behavior. Solensia works differently from NSAIDs: it targets nerve growth factor, a key mediator of osteoarthritis pain, helping reduce pain signaling. Current veterinary sources describe frunevetmab as a valuable option for feline osteoarthritis, especially as part of a broader pain-management plan guided by a veterinarian.

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Side Effects to Watch For

Most cats tolerate Solensia well, but side effects can happen. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual after an injection.

Commonly reported effects include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and pain at the injection site.
Some cats may develop itching, scabbing, or hair loss around the head and neck.
Ear infections and behavior changes such as anxiety have been reported in drug information sources.
Rare but serious reactions can include allergic reactions with facial swelling, hives, breathing trouble, or collapse.
Long-term effects beyond 6 months have not been fully evaluated in the prescribing information.

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Dosing & Administration

Solensia is generally given as a monthly injection by your veterinary team. Follow your vet's instructions exactly and keep all recommended recheck visits. Do not try to substitute human pain medications or change your cat's treatment plan on your own. If your cat misses an appointment, contact your veterinarian to reschedule and ask when the next dose should be given. Your vet may recommend monitoring exams, bloodwork, or urinalysis during ongoing treatment, especially in older cats or cats with other medical conditions.

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When to Call a Vet About Solensia

Emergency

Go to the ER now

● Difficulty breathing, collapse, facial swelling, or hives after an injection
● Signs of a severe allergic reaction
● Suspected overdose or accidental exposure
● Sudden severe weakness or any rapidly worsening condition after treatment

Urgent

See a vet within 24 hours

● Vomiting, diarrhea, or poor appetite that does not quickly improve
● Persistent itching, scabbing, or hair loss
● Injection-site pain or swelling that seems significant or prolonged
● New behavior changes or anything that seems out of the ordinary for your cat

Monitor

Watch at home, call if it worsens

● Mild, short-lived soreness after the injection
● Subtle digestive upset that resolves quickly
● Gradual changes in mobility as your veterinarian assesses whether the medication is helping

Common Questions About Solensia

Can I give my dog human Solensia?

No. Solensia is not a human medication, and it is not approved for dogs. In the U.S., Solensia is approved for cats with osteoarthritis pain. Never give any medication to your dog unless your veterinarian specifically prescribes it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your veterinarian if your cat misses a scheduled Solensia appointment. In veterinary drug references, the general guidance is to give the missed dose as soon as remembered and then continue on the schedule your veterinarian recommends. Do not double up or try to adjust the timing without veterinary guidance.

Can my cat take Solensia?

Possibly, but only if your veterinarian determines it is appropriate. Solensia is approved for cats with osteoarthritis pain, but your vet will consider your cat's age, weight, pregnancy or breeding status, other medications, and underlying health conditions before prescribing it.

How long does it take Solensia to work?

Some cats show improvement in comfort or mobility within days to weeks, but optimal improvement may take longer than one month. Your veterinarian may want to assess response over multiple monthly treatments.

Can Solensia be used with other arthritis treatments?

Sometimes. Merck notes that a drug-drug interaction between anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies and NSAIDs is not known to occur in dogs and cats, and some patients may benefit from multimodal therapy. However, your veterinarian should decide which combinations are appropriate for your individual cat.

Sources

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.

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