POM-V Prescription Required

Adequan IM 500 mg/5 ml Solution for Injection

Active ingredient: Polysulphated Glycosaminoglycan

Form

Injection

Species

Horses

Manufacturer

Daiichi Sankyo Altkirch SARL

VMD MA No.

36483/4002

What it's used for

In horses: For treatment of lameness due to degenerative aseptic joint disease.

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓

View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Polysulphated Glycosaminogly...

1

Ask your vet for a written prescription

They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.
2

Fill it at a registered online retailer

The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Your prescription rights → VMD register of retailers →

Prescription required

Your vet must provide a written prescription on request. You can then purchase from any licensed online retailer.

Clinical information

Adequan IM 500 mg/5 ml Solution for Injection — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

In horses:
For treatment of lameness due to degenerative aseptic joint disease.

The contents of a 5-ml vial are injected by deep intra-muscular injection every
four days for a total of seven injections.

Do not administer when a pre-existent tendency to haemorrhage or increased
coagulation time is known.
Do not administer within 24 hours after surgery.
Do not use for the treatment of septic arthritis; in this case appropriate treatment
such as surgery and / or antimicrobial therapy should be instigated.
Treatment should not be given in cases of advanced renal or hepatic disease or
in cases where there is a history of hypersensitivity to PSGAG.
Reference is also made to section 4.7.

On rare occasions, transient local reactions at the injection site may occur.

None.

i. Special precautions for use in animals
This product does not contain an antimicrobial preservative. Any solution
remaining in the vial following withdrawal of the required dose should be
discarded.

Revised: January 2015
AN: 01275/2014
This product must be used with caution in horses suffering with hepatic
dysfunction.
ii. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary
medicinal product to animals
In view of possible sensitization, contact dermatitis and skin irritation any
skin contact with the product should be avoided. Wear protective gloves.
Avoid self-injection. Self-injection may cause delayed blood coagulation for
a few hours. In case of accidental self-injection seek medical advice
immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the doctor.

Simultaneous use of PSGAG and anticoagulants increases the risk of
haemorrhage.
Simultaneous use of PSGAG and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) increases the risk of bleeding in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Withdrawal period (meat): zero days.
Do not use in mares producing milk for human consumption.
5.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.