Product details
Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non‐infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.
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As the only FDA-approved PSGAG drug for horses, Adequan® i.m. has been shown to help treat the processes of degenerative joint disease and improve lameness.
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Relieves lameness caused by inflammation associated with joint disease.
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Restores synovial lubrication that facilitates movement and reduces local inflammation.
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Repairs cartilage repair and aid in the production of new cartilage.
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Reverses the disease process that leads to the loss of cartilage components by inhibiting harmful enzymes that attack cartilage and synovial fluid.
Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA‐Approved PSGAG prescription drug available for horses. Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non‐infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. PSGAG improves joint function by reducing synovial fluid protein levels due to its anti-inflammatory effect and increasing synovial fluid hyaluronic acid concentration in damaged equine joints. Adequan i.m. is also chondroprotective, acting as a potent enzyme inhibitor which prevents and may reverse the loss of joint cartilage that occurs in degenerative joint disease (DJD). If inflammatory enzymes are left unchecked, irreversible changes to the joint can occur.
Product sourced directly from the manufacturer or their approved distributor. Guaranteed genuine product backed by the manufacturer.
For
Horses
Active ingredient(s)
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG)
Inactive ingredients
Single dose vial (5 mL): Water for injection. May contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid if necessary to adjust pH. Sodium Chloride may be added to adjust tonicity.
Multiple dose vial (50 mL): Benzyl alcohol, water for injection. May contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid if necessary to adjust pH.
Brand name
Adequan i.m.
Drug class
Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD)
Manufacturer
American Regent Animal Health
Product strength & size
This sterile injectable solution contains 100 mg of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan per 1 mL of solution and is supplied in 5 mL single dose vials or 50 mL multi-dose vials. Please ensure the selected product and package size are appropriate for your pet, as recommended by your veterinarian.
For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.
Usage
*For complete product information, please review the Full Prescribing Information in the manufacturer’s package insert.
Adequan i.m. should be administered to your horse as directed by your veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes or discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.
Manufacturer’s Recommended Dosage and Administration:
The recommended dose of Adequan® i.m. in horses is 500 mg every 4 days for 28 days intramuscularly. The injection site must be thoroughly cleansed prior to injection.
Please consult with your veterinarian and follow all treatments as prescribed. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Injectable medications require needles, syringes, and a designated sharps disposal container. These are not included with the medication and must be purchased separately.
Please consult your veterinarian for guidance regarding appropriate needle and syringe sizes for your pet.
For general injectable use (aseptic technique):
Aseptic technique refers to a set of practices designed to minimize the risk of contamination and infection during medical procedures. These practices can also be applied to the handling and administration of injectable medications to your pet to help reduce the risk of post-injection bacterial infections.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after administration.
Use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Needles and syringes should never be reused.
Do not touch the needle, syringe tip, or vial stopper (once it has been wiped with alcohol) to any surface to avoid contamination.
Adequately clean and disinfect the vial stopper with an alcohol wipe, then allow it to dry before inserting the sterile needle/syringe.
Withdraw and administer the prescribed dose as directed by your veterinarian.
Dispose of the needle/syringe into a proper sharps disposal container immediately after use.
Missed doses
If a dose is missed: Please consult your veterinarian.
If you have questions about the prescribed dosing schedule (e.g., timing, interval), please consult your veterinarian.
Storage
Adequan® i.m. does not need to be refrigerated.
Single dose vial (5 mL): Store at 68°-77°F. Discard unused portion.
Multiple dose vial (50 mL): Store at 68°-77°F; excursions permitted to 59°-86°F. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures ≥ 104°F. Use within 28 days of first puncture and puncture a maximum of 10 times.
Keep in a secure location out of the reach of children and animals. Exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture may affect the integrity and effectiveness of medications. Always store medications properly (e.g., away from the bathroom, kitchen sink, or other damp places).
Side effects
Toxicity studies were conducted in horses. Clinical observations revealed no soreness or swelling at the injection site or in the affected joint. No animal had any clinical or laboratory evidence of toxicity.
For more details, please see the Full Prescribing Information.
Notify your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the effects described above, or if you notice any other side effects that are persistent or troublesome.
If you notice anything unusual, please consult your veterinarian.
Precautions
*For complete product information including warnings and precautions, please refer to the Full Prescribing Information in the manufacturer’s package insert.
For intramuscular use in horses only. Not for intra-articular use.
There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan.
Studies have not been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses, during pregnancy or in lactating mares.
WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
For more details, please see the Full Prescribing Information.
Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Be sure to inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known drug sensitivities or allergies.
If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; and widespread hives or itching.
Drug and food interactions
American Regent Animal Health has not conducted any studies evaluating the combined use of specific drugs or supplements. Before starting any treatment, advise your veterinarian of any medications, supplements or natural products your horse is receiving. Do not mix Adequan i.m. with other drugs or solvents.
Adverse reactions
If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact the manufacturer American Regent Animal Health at 1-888-354-4857 or Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.
Overdose
If you have any reason to suspect an overdose, call your doctor/veterinarian or the appropriate poison control resource immediately.
For humans:
The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, will connect you to your local poison center in case of emergency. This service is available nationwide and in most U.S. territories.
For animals:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 888-426-4435.
Pet Poison Helpline® also provides a 24/7 animal poison control service at 855-764-7661.
*Please note: this information is for third-party services and is provided for convenience in case of potential poison-related emergencies. There may be consultation fee for these services.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this page is NOT medical advice.
All content, including the images and product description above, is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Consult your veterinarian for complete information about this product and how it fits into your pet's individual treatment plan.
Last revised: 12/11/2025