Adequan® Equine (Brand)

What is Adequan I.M.?
Adequan I.M. is a prescription medication used in the treatment of arthritis/degenerative joint disease (not caused by infections) or joint injury with associated lameness.

Who is it for?
Adequan I.M. is for horses.

What are the benefits?

How does Adequan I.M. work?
Adequan I.M. helps maintain cartilage, the smooth covering of the ends of the bones that make up a joint. It works by inhibiting enzymes that break down cartilage. It also helps decrease inflammation and helps produce healthy joint fluid and increases the production of cartilage.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No.

How is it given?
Adequan I.M. is an intramuscular medication, which means it is injected directly into the muscle of the affected horse. Multiple injections over several weeks need to be given. Always use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection. When finished, place the needle and syringe in a puncture-resistant container.

Adequan I.M. should not be mixed with other medications. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. This medication should only be given to the horse for whom it was prescribed.

Syringes with needles are available for administration.

What results can I expect?
Improvement, if it occurs, is generally seen in four weeks.

What form(s) does it come in?
This medication comes in injectable form only.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Adequan I.M.

Pronunciation
ADD-a-kwin Eye-em

Common Drug Name
Injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG)

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Adequan I.M.?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be available to treat your pet's condition.

Have your veterinarian or veterinary staff show you how to accurately measure the dose and give the injection.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Adequan I.M. needs to be given exactly as your veterinarian describes. It may take four weeks to see a result.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in horses hypersensitive (allergic) to polysulfated glycosaminoglycans or other ingredients in the product.

The safety of polysulfated glycosaminoglycans in pregnant or lactating horses has not been determined.

What side effects may be seen when taking Adequan I.M.?
Side effects are rare.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
Toxicity is extremely rare. If you know or suspect your horse has had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs, symptoms, or behaviors, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Adequan I.M.?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your horse is taking while receiving polysulfated glycosaminoglycans.

Use caution if giving to a horse also being treated with anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.