Dog Owner FAQs

What is Adequan^® Canine?

Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) for dogs. It is recommended for intramuscular injection for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints, also known as canine osteoarthritis (OA).

What is a DMOAD?

A disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug or “DMOAD” is a pharmaceutical that’s capable of making a positive impact on altering or reducing the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).¹ Adequan^® Canine is characterized as a DMOAD because it is clinically proven to modify the disease in addition to treating the signs of OA. This classification distinguishes Adequan^® Canine from other pharmaceuticals or therapies designed to treat the signs of osteoarthritis (OA) alone and not the underlying disease progression. Ask your veterinarian about the possible benefits of using a DMOAD for treating your dog’s OA.

Are there age or breed restrictions for Adequan^® Canine?

No age or breed restrictions.

Can Adequan^® Canine be used in pregnant, breeding or lactating female dogs?

The use of Adequan^® Canine in pregnant, breeding or lactating animals has not been evaluated.

How fast does Adequan^® Canine work?

It begins to reach a dog’s joint synovial fluid within 2 hours and detectable levels are maintained in the synovial fluid and articular cartilage for up to 3 days (72 hours).² Consult your veterinarian if you have any additional questions.

How does the cost of Adequan^® Canine compare to joint supplements and other treatments?

While it may seem that Adequan^® Canine costs more than other treatments, it’s important to remember that Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD), treats the disease of canine osteoarthritis (OA) not just its clinical signs. As an FDA-approved pharmaceutical product, Adequan Canine has gone through a rigorous scientific approval process and must also be made in a facility that adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices. Manufacturing Adequan Canine requires 70 critical production processes that take almost two years to complete. By contrast, joint supplements are neither monitored nor approved by the FDA, so they are not required to adhere to the same safety, effectiveness and manufacturing standards. Adequan Canine is labeled to be administered over the course of four weeks. Alternatively, many joint supplements and pain relievers like NSAIDs are labeled for daily use, which can make the cost add up over time.

Why is it important to TREAT the osteoarthritis disease?

Canine osteoarthritis is a progressive disease happening over time. According to canine osteoarthritis (OA) experts, the optimal management of OA focuses on strategies which can slow down the clock.³ Adequan^® Canine is a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) which is proven to bind to and help promote key components of the cartilage matrix and inhibit damaging enzymes to help slow OA degradation in synovial joints. By treating the disease early in its cycle, there may be a profound positive impact on the progression and severity of the OA disease cycle over your dog’s lifetime.

A treatment program which focuses only on managing the signs of OA will not address the underlying disease state responsible for causing the disease progression. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment methods for your dog.

How is Adequan^® Canine different from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

While NSAIDs are FDA approved drugs for use in dogs, none of the current non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available today are approved as disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs. They are only approved to help control the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) that modifies the course of the disease process.

Why did my veterinarian recommend treatment for my dog which only started showing clinical signs?

Adequan^® Canine used early, at the first clinical signs of osteoarthritis, sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), slows progression of the disease before cartilage is irreversibly damaged. Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) that inhibits cartilage loss in a dog’s synovial joint, and may help to:⁴ Restore joint lubrication, relieve inflammation, and renew the building blocks of healthy cartilage.

How is Adequan^® Canine different from products I can buy over the counter?

There are many supplements and over-the-counter products making similar claims to Adequan^® Canine. These products and their manufacturing have not been evaluated by the FDA. Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) for use in dogs and is recommended for intramuscular injection for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints.

How can I learn whether Adequan^® Canine may be right for my dog?

Consult your veterinarian on whether Adequan^® Canine may be appropriate for your dog’s osteoarthritis. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

When is the best time to start my dog on Adequan^® Canine?

Adequan^® Canine is beneficial to dogs diagnosed at all stages of OA, but the earlier in the disease cycle it is started, the greater the overall impact for the dog. Adequan^® Canine used early, at the first clinical signs of osteoarthritis (OA), can help slow the progression of the disease before cartilage is irreversibly damaged. This may have a profound positive impact on the progression and severity of the OA disease cycle over the dog’s lifetime. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian to discover if Adequan^® Canine is right for your dog.

Why is Adequan^® Canine administered as a series of injections?

It all has to do with how Adequan^® Canine works. While the specific mechanism of action of Adequan^® in canine joints is not known, clinical data shows that Adequan^® Canine reaches all synovial joints within 2 hours to begin helping to restore joint tissues that are damaged or inflamed — and lasts for approximately 3 days.² By administering Adequan^® Canine twice weekly for up to 4 weeks (maximum of 8 injections), the drug levels are sustained in the synovial joints for an extended period of time —giving the active ingredients time in the joint to help slow the disease progression.

Can Adequan^® Canine be used with other OA products?

Once veterinarians diagnose canine osteoarthritis (OA), they create a treatment plan specific to the dog’s stage of OA, physical condition and age. The plan may include lifestyle changes and medical management. For the medical management of OA, both Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can play a role. Whether to prescribe both Adequan Canine and an NSAID is up to veterinarians, who will use their best medical judgement based on each patient’s health status and individual experience.

Why did my veterinarian prescribe another series of injections for my dog? What does “maintenance” mean in this context?

Adequan^® Canine does not “cure” osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, there is no cure. But Adequan^® Canine can help slow the disease progression. When used correctly, it can help extend a dog’s mobility over a lifetime.

After the initial series of injections with Adequan^® Canine, it is important for veterinarians and owners to work together to keep monitoring the dog’s joint health and mobility. If time passes and the dog shows clinical signs of osteoarthritis recurrence, a veterinarian will likely repeat the dosing regimen to help get their patient back on track. A veterinarian may refer to these subsequent series of injections as "maintenance."

Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is recommended for intramuscular injection for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints.

What is the treatment protocol for a dog starting with Adequan^® Canine?

Consult your veterinarian on treatment protocol and whether Adequan^® Canine may be an appropriate treatment for your dog.

The literature says use within 28 days and 10 puncture limit, how long past this can it be used?

Guidelines for usage are the following with whichever comes first: The expiration date printed on the bottle or within 28 days of the first puncture with a maximum of 10 punctures.

What is the 28-day expiration based on?

This is the guideline from the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) division of the FDA (CVM GFI #242 In-Use Stability Studies and Associated Labeling Statements for Multiple-Dose Injectable Animal Drug Products, JANUARY 2017). This guideline applies to all veterinary injectable drugs packaged in multiple-dose vials.

I have an unopened vial that is expired, can I still use it?

American Regent, Inc. (the manufacturer of Adequan^® Canine) does not recommend the use of expired products.

I have an opened vial that is not expired, but I haven’t used in a while, can I still use it?

Guidelines for usage are the following with whichever comes first: The expiration date printed on the bottle or within 28 days of first puncture with a maximum of 10 punctures. If the vial was opened/punctured more than 28 days ago, it is now expired, and usage is not recommended.

I have an open vial that is expired, but still has a lot of solution remaining, can I still use it?

American Regent, Inc. (the manufacturer of Adequan^® Canine) does not recommend the use of expired product.

Does Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) work for all dogs?

While certain breeds are predisposed, canine osteoarthritis has been diagnosed in all breeds of dogs, affecting younger dogs as well as older ones. Adequan^® Canine is approved for all dogs regardless of breed or age. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice your dog slowing down or having trouble moving and ask if Adequan^® Canine can help your dog.

Can Adequan Canine be used in cats?

Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is not FDA-approved for use in cats.

My veterinarian has prescribed an alternate route of administration or regimen that differs from Adequan^® Canine published information. What should I do?

Contact your veterinarian to discuss and confirm their guidance and direction.

Where do I administer the injection?

Contact your veterinarian to confirm and assist you.

The 4-week regimen was not finished, and a dose was missed, can the regimen just be restarted?

Please contact and consult with your veterinarian for continuing the use of Adequan^® Canine in your dog.

Do I have to keep Adequan^® Canine refrigerated?

No, Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) needs to be stored at 68° to 77° F (20° to 25° C) with excursions permitted to 59° to 86° F (15° to 30° C). Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures greater or equal to 104° F (40° C).

My veterinarian provided storage information that differs from the Adequan^® Canine published information, what should I do?

Contact your veterinarian to discuss and confirm their guidance and direction.

If Adequan^® Canine product was shipped in a method different from the recommended storage, what should I do?

Contact your on-line pharmacy or the veterinary clinic providing the product.

Any Precautions?

The safe use of Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with renal or hepatic impairment.

What is the current Important Safety Information (ISI)?



Who can I call with questions about Adequan^® Canine?

First, we would suggest you consult your veterinarian. If you would like to speak to an American Regent Animal Health customer service representative, please call 800-458-0163 Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET or Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

Can dog owners purchase Adequan^® Canine directly from American Regent Animal Health?

American Regent Animal Health has established a wide network of distributors that make purchase easy for veterinarians. Since Adequan^® Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is a prescription-only product, dog owners must purchase it through a licensed, practicing veterinarian or pharmacy rather than directly from American Regent Animal Health.

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