Betavet (5 ml)

BetaVet is the only FDA-approved dual ingredient injectable corticosteroid for use in horses. The ongoing pain and inflammation associated with development of osteoarthritis (OA) can be career-limiting for athletic horses required to perform at a high level. In the medical management of OA by equine practitioners, intra-articular corticosteroids such as BetaVet (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension), are considered a cornerstone of therapy to reduce inflammation.

How It Works

Proven formula backed by science.

• Controls pain and inflammation associated with equine arthritis
• Proven equine formula with two active ingredients
• Betamethasone sodium phosphate - 3.15 mg¹; a highly soluble betamethasone ester with a rapid onset of action²
• Betamethasone acetate - 2.85 mg¹; a less soluble betamethasone ester with a prolonged action²
• Time to peak plasma concentrations (T_max) achieved in as little as 4.5 to 8 hours*

* Clinical significance of these results is unknown.

Indications

BetaVet (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension) is indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses.

View Betavet Drug Facts Sheet.

Shake well immediately before use.

Using strict aseptic technique, administer 1.5 mL BETAVET (9 mg total betamethasone) per joint by intra-articular injection. BETAVET may be administered concurrently in up to 2 joints per horse.

Use immediately after opening, then discard any remaining contents.

Caution:

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Contraindication

BETAVET is contraindicated in horses with hypersensitivity to betamethasone.

Intra-articular injection of corticosteroids for local effect is contraindicated in the presence of septic arthritis.

Warnings:

Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or parenterally to animals may induce the first stage of parturition when administered during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta, and metritis.

Additionally, corticosteroids administered to dogs, rabbits and rodents during pregnancy have resulted in cleft palate in offspring. Corticosteroids administered to dogs during pregnancy have also resulted in other congenital anomalies including deformed forelegs, phocomelia and anasarca. Therefore, before use of corticosteroids in pregnant animals, the possible benefits to the pregnant animal should be weighed against potential hazards to its developing embryo or fetus.

Human Warnings:

Not for use in humans. For use in animals only. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in the case of accidental human exposure.

Precautions:

Corticosteroids, including BETAVET, administered intra-articularly are systemically absorbed. Do not use in horses with acute infections.

Acute moderate to severe exacerbation of pain, further loss of joint motion, fever, or malaise within several days following intra-articular injection may indicate a septic process. Because of the anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids, signs of infection in the treated joint may be masked. Appropriate examination of joint fluid is necessary to exclude a septic process. If a bacterial infection is present, appropriate antibacterial therapy should be instituted immediately. Additional doses of corticosteroids should not be administered until joint sepsis has been definitively ruled out.

Due to the potential for exacerbation of clinical signs of laminitis, glucocorticoids should be used with caution in horses with a history of laminitis, or horses otherwise at a higher risk for laminitis.

Use with caution in horses with chronic nephritis, equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and congestive heart failure.

Concurrent use of other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs or other corticosteroids, should be approached with caution. Due to the potential for systemic exposure, concomitant use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids may increase the risk of gastrointestinal, renal, and other toxicity. Consider appropriate wash out times prior to administering additional NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) (See USP Controlled Room Temperature). Protect from light. Use carton to protect contents from light until used.