BetaVet® (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension)
For Intra-articular (I.A.) use in Horses.
INDICATIONS:
BetaVet® (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension) is indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
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 congenital anomalies.
Before use of corticosteroids in pregnant animals, the possible benefits should be weighed against potential hazards.
Human Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
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.
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 should be approached with caution. Consider appropriate wash out times prior to administering additional NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: Adverse reactions reported during a field study of 239 horses of various breeds which had been administered either BetaVet® (n=119) or a saline control (n=120)
at five percent (5%) and above were: acute joint effusion and/or local injection site swelling (within 2 days of injection), 15% BetaVet® and 13% saline control; increased lameness
(within the first 5 days), 6.7% BetaVet® and 8.3% saline control; loose stool, 5.9% BetaVet® and 8.3% saline control; increased heat in joint, 2.5% BetaVet® and 5% saline control;
and depression, 5.9% BetaVet® and 1.6% saline control.
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.