Adequan i.m. Equine

How to Order Prescriptions

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Description

Adequan® i.m. is an FDA-approved prescription injectable medication containing polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. It is classified as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) and is commonly incorporated into comprehensive veterinary treatment plans for equine joint disease.

Following intramuscular administration, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan is distributed into synovial fluid and articular cartilage, where laboratory studies suggest it helps support normal cartilage metabolism and joint health. Research has shown PSGAG may inhibit certain enzymes involved in cartilage degradation while promoting the production of proteoglycans, collagen, and hyaluronic acid that contribute to healthy joint function. Although the exact mechanism of action in equine joints has not been fully established, Adequan i.m. has demonstrated clinical efficacy in horses with degenerative joint dysfunction.

Early treatment may help support long-term joint function and mobility. Adequan i.m. should be administered only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.

Uses & Benefits

• FDA-approved for horses
• Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drug (DMOAD)
• Treats non-infectious degenerative and traumatic joint dysfunction
• Helps control associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints
• Supports healthy cartilage metabolism
• Helps maintain normal joint lubrication
• Supports mobility and joint function
• Intramuscular injectable formulation
• Convenient every-4-day dosing schedule
• Veterinarian-directed treatment

How It Works

Adequan® i.m. contains polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), a semi-synthetic compound structurally similar to naturally occurring cartilage components.

Following intramuscular injection, PSGAG reaches the synovial fluid and articular cartilage where laboratory studies have shown it may:

Inhibit enzymes associated with cartilage degradation
Support proteoglycan and collagen synthesis
Promote hyaluronic acid production
Help maintain normal cartilage structure
Support healthy joint lubrication

These combined actions help support healthy joint function and mobility in horses with degenerative joint disease. Although the precise mechanism has not been fully established, Adequan i.m. is classified as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD).

Indications

Adequan® i.m. is indicated for:

• Treatment of non-infectious degenerative joint dysfunction
• Treatment of traumatic joint dysfunction
• Control of associated lameness
• Management of joint dysfunction involving the carpal joints
• Management of joint dysfunction involving the hock joints

For use in horses only.

Clinical Studies:
Clinical studies demonstrated that horses treated with Adequan® i.m. according to the approved dosing schedule showed significant improvement in clinical signs associated with degenerative joint dysfunction, including lameness. Laboratory studies also confirmed distribution of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan into synovial fluid following intramuscular administration, supporting its activity within affected joints.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Each mL Contains
Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) — 100 mg
Each 5 mL Vial Contains
500 mg PSGAG

Inactive Ingredients:

Single-Dose Vial

• Water for Injection

Multi-Dose Vial

• Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative)
• Water for Injection

Directions

Use only as directed by your veterinarian.

Administer by intramuscular injection only.

Recommended Dose:
500 mg (5 mL) - Treatment Schedule

• One intramuscular injection every 4 days
• Continue for 28 days
• Total of 7 injections

Do not mix Adequan® i.m. with other drugs or solvents in the same syringe.

For the multidose vial:
Use within 28 days after first puncture.
Do not puncture the stopper more than 10 times.

Weight & Dosage
Adult Horse - 5 mL (500 mg)
Treatment Schedule: (One injection every four days for seven total treatments.)

Warnings

• Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
• For use in horses only.
• For animal use only.
• Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
• Not for use in humans.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• For intramuscular injection only.
• Do not administer intra-articularly or intravenously.

Cautions

The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in breeding horses, pregnant mares, or lactating mares has not been established.
Use sterile injection technique.
Thoroughly cleanse the injection site prior to administration.
Follow your veterinarian's dosing schedule carefully.
Inform your veterinarian of any medications or supplements your horse is receiving.

Possible Side Effects

Adverse reactions are uncommon when Adequan® i.m. is administered according to label directions.

Contact your veterinarian if your horse develops:

• Injection site swelling or irritation
• Persistent lameness
• Allergic reactions
• Changes in appetite or behavior
• Any unexpected clinical signs following treatment

In safety studies, horses receiving up to five times the recommended dose for three times the recommended treatment duration showed no clinical evidence of systemic toxicity.

Precautions

Administer only by intramuscular injection.
Use aseptic injection technique.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Monitor horses throughout treatment.
Repeat treatment only as directed by your veterinarian.

Storage

Single-Dose Vials:
Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Discard unused portion after opening.

Multi-Dose Vial:
Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 104°F (40°C).
Use within 28 days of first puncture.
Maximum 10 punctures per vial.