The advantages of an
FDA-approved product.

As you choose and use products for your equine patients, your clients may want to know why you recommend one option over another.

When you choose BetaVet® (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension), you can be sure you’re administering an FDA-approved product that’s undergone rigorous clinical testing for both efficacy and safety in horses.

Learn more about the importance of FDA-approved drugs vs. compounded products and veterinary medical devices in our technical bulletin: The Difference Is in the Details.

DOWNLOAD TECHNICAL BULLETIN

The following information is intended for licensed veterinarians only.
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

BetaVet® vial and box

How to appropriately administer BetaVet.

  • Shake well immediately before use
  • Using strict aseptic technique, administer BetaVet 1.5 mL (9 mg total betamethasone) per joint by intra-articular (IA) injection
  • May be administered concurrently in up to 2 joints per horse
  • Use immediately after opening; discard any remaining

Please see Indications and Important Safety Information below.

Advantages of BetaVet over compounded injectable corticosteroids.1

  • FDA-approved for use in horses
  • Safety and efficacy backed by clinical studies
  • Consistency in product quality and potency
  • Product stability proven to ensure consistent safety and efficacy
    over the entire shelf life

BetaVet® (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension) 6 mg betamethasone/mL

For Intra-articular (I.A.) use in Horses.

INDICATIONS: BetaVet® 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.

SHAKE WELL IMMEDIATELY BEFORE USE. For additional safety information, please see full prescribing information.

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

Advancing joint care for dogs & horses

For more than 30 years, veterinarians have relied on the American Regent Animal Health family of products to provide solutions that help support joint health in their patients. Our mission is to champion the long-term well-being and mobility of animals, from top athletes to family companions.

  1. BetaVet® (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension), Package Insert. American Regent, Inc.
  2. Knych HK, Stanley SD, Harrison LM and McKemie DS. Pharmacokinetics of Betamethasone in Plasma, Urine and Synovial Fluid Following Intra-Articular Administration to Exercised Thoroughbred Horses, 2017.
  3. Foland JW, McIlwraith CW, Trotter GW, Powers BE, and Lamar CH. Effect of Betamethasone and Exercise on Equine Carpal Joints with Osteochondral Fragments, Veterinary Surgery, 23:639-376, 1994.
  4. Frisbie D. New Research and Regulatory Issue Associated with Corticosteroids, Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the AAEP 2000.
  5. ARCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule for Horses; V4.0 (Rev. April 20, 2017)
  6. RMTC Approved Controlled Therapeutic Medications
  7. FEI List of Detection Times, Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), 18 Jan 2017.