NexHA™ Hyaluronate Sodium for Horses

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What Is NexHA™ Hyaluronate Sodium for Horses?

NexHA™ (active ingredient hyaluronic sodium) is a prescription injectable medication used in horses to relieve joint inflammation due to arthritis of the carpus or fetlock joints.

NexHA™ is administered directly into a horse’s vein (intravenously) by a veterinarian or veterinary professional. NexHA™ should never be injected directly into the joint (intra-articularly).

NexHA™ is approved to treat inflamed joints that are free from infection (non-infectious synovitis) and may be safely used with other joint therapies.

If your horse suddenly becomes lame, your vet may first take X-rays of your horse’s joints to screen for serious fractures prior to administrating NexHA™.

The safety of NexHA™ injectable solution has not been evaluated in breeding stallions or in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares, at the time of this publication.

How NexHA™ Hyaluronate Sodium Works in Horses

The active ingredient in NexHA™ is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring gel-like substance found in connective tissue, skin, eyes, and joints.

Hyaluronic acid serves as natural cushion and lubricant in the joints. It may also reduce harmful inflammatory chemical messengers and white blood cells in the area to promote faster recovery in horses with joint inflammation.

NexHA™ Hyaluronate Sodium Directions for Horses

Using their professional expertise and sterile technique, your veterinarian will slowly administer NexHA™ directly into the bloodstream of your horse.

Treatment with NexHA™ is repeated once a week for a total of three treatments.

Your veterinarian will recommend a period of stall rest for your horse after treatment and before your horse can gradually resume normal activity.

Missed a Dose?

If you forget to set up an appointment with your vet for your horse’s routine injection, please contact them.

In general, your veterinarian will schedule an appointment for your horse once a week for a total of three treatments and will assess your horse’s response to NexHA™.

Possible Side Effects of NexHA™ Hyaluronate Sodium in Horses

NexHA™ is typically well tolerated in most horses. Uncommon side effects that may occur include:

• Depression
• Low energy (lethargy)
• Fever

Human Side Effects

NexHA™ is not an approved medication for humans.

To be safe, do not participate or try to help your vet during the injection. Veterinary staff will restrain your horse as the vet administers NexHA™.

If you accidentally become injected with a veterinary medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.

Call Your Vet If:

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)

• Your horse’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment

• You see or suspect an overdose

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of NexHA™

NexHA™ Hyaluronate Sodium Overdose Information for Horses

An overdose of NexHA™ is unlikely to cause toxicity or symptoms in a horse.

Safety studies in horses given up to a five times overdose of NexHA™ showed no signs of toxicity. There were also no adverse effects reported when these overdoses of NexHA™ were given over nine weeks (three times the maximum duration).

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

Pet Poison Helpline® 855-764-7661

ASPCA® Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435

NexHA™ Hyaluronate Sodium Storage for Horses

Your vet should store NexHA™ below 25 C or 77 F, according to product insert instructions.

Your vet will discard any unused portion of the medication along with the empty vial after opening.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.