Adequan injections for dogs and horses recalled nationwide after glass fibers detected

American Regent, Inc. Animal Health has issued a nationwide recall of 4 lots of Adequan products after glass fibers were detected during testing of retained samples, the company announced July 31, 2026.

The recall includes Adequan Canine Injection (100 mg/mL, 5-mL multi-dose vials), lot numbers 3369 and 25011, and Adequan i.m. Injection (500 mg/5 mL, single-dose 5-mL vials), lot numbers 24416 and 25265P. All 4 lots are being recalled to the consumer level.¹

Both products are prescription injectable medications administered intramuscularly under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. Adequan Canine is an FDA-approved disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) for dogs used to help control the signs associated with noninfectious degenerative or traumatic arthritis of synovial joints. Adequan i.m. is indicated for horses with noninfectious degenerative or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness.

According to American Regent, administering an intramuscular product containing particulate matter such as glass fibers may cause injection-site pain, local irritation, swelling, inflammation, infection, or abscess formation. As of the announcement, the company had not received any reports of adverse events associated with the recalled lots.

The recalled Adequan Canine lots were distributed to online pharmacies, distributors, wholesalers, and veterinary practices throughout the US on May 22, 2024 (lot 3369) and April 14, 2025 (lot 25011). The recalled Adequan i.m. lots were distributed through the same channels on May 8, 2025 (lot 24416) and January 22, 2026 (lot 25265P).

The company advised anyone with the affected lots to stop using them immediately. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if an animal experiences any problems that may be related to the recalled products. Distributors, retailers, veterinary hospitals, clinics, and other consignees should stop distributing the affected products and either return any remaining inventory to the manufacturer or discard it.

“Any person or entity with the recalled product lots should not use the products,” American Regent said in an announcement.¹

The company said the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the FDA. Veterinary professionals and consumers with questions should contact the company's customer service or pharmacovigilance departments. Suspected adverse reactions or product quality issues also can be reported to the FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or through the agency's reporting portal.

What to know about Adequan

The active ingredient in both Adequan products is polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), a compound related to naturally occurring glycosaminoglycans that are important components of cartilage.

In dogs, Adequan Canine is used to help control the signs associated with noninfectious degenerative or traumatic arthritis of synovial joints. According to the manufacturer, it treats cartilage loss and may help improve joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, and support cartilage health.² It is administered by intramuscular injection, typically twice weekly for up to 4 weeks, for a total of 8 injections. The treatment course may be repeated if clinical signs recur.

In horses, Adequan i.m. is indicated for noninfectious degenerative or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness affecting the carpal and hock joints. The approved dosage is 500 mg administered according to the recommended 1-4-7 treatment schedule.³

References

1. American Regent, Inc. Animal Health issues nationwide recall of two lots of Adequan Canine and two lots of Adequan i.m. due to visible glass fiber material in the product. News release. American Regent, Inc. July 31, 2026. Accessed August 3, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-regent-inc-animal-health-issues-nationwide-recall-of-two-lots-of-adequan-canine-and-two-lots-of-adequan-im-due-to-visible-glass-fiber-material-in-the-product-302840292.html
2. Howe S. Adequan Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan). PetMD. September 25, 2025. Accessed August 3, 2026. https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/adequan-polysulfated-glycosaminoglycan
3. Adequan i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan). Treat arthritis, not just its symptoms. American Regent, Inc. Accessed August 3, 2026. https://www.adequan.com/