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PRASCEND is the only FDA-approved treatment available to manage PPID in horses

Prascend® (pergolide tablets) is the only FDA-approved formulation of pergolide mesylate on the market approved for use in horses.

PRASCEND is the first and only medicine available in the US that is approved by the FDA to treat pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), historically termed equine Cushing's disease, in horses.1,2 As part of the FDA approval process, PRASCEND was rigorously tested to prove its safety and effectiveness in reducing signs of PPID in horses.1,2

What is PPID?

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction is one of the most common diseases of the endocrine system that can affect horses and ponies.3  PPID causes the horse's pituitary gland, which utilizes hormones to control body functions, to work overtime.

Learn more about PPID

Take advantage of our testing offer this fall

Veterinarians can request up to 3 tests for horses suspected to have PPID

Proven Efficacy:
  • 89% of horses had improved haircoat
  • Clinical scores were reduced by 69%
24-month stability at labeled storage conditions which allows for consistent, reliable dosing.

PRASCEND is for use in horses only. Treatment with PRASCEND has been observed to cause inappetence, with most cases being transient. Weight loss, lethargy and behavioral changes may be observed in some horses. If severe, a temporary reduction of dose may be necessary. PRASCEND has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant or lactating horses. As PRASCEND is a dopamine agonist, it may interfere with reproductive hormones involved in these groups of horses.The concurrent use of dopamine antagonists should be avoided since these agents may diminish the effectiveness of PRASCEND. PRASCEND should not be used in horse with hypersensitivity to pergolide meylate or other ergot derivatives. Refer to the package insert for complete product information.

Human Safety Warning
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Do not induce vomiting. People with known hypersensitivity to pergolide or other ergot derivatives should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product and should not administer it. Keep out of the reach of children. Pregnant or lactating women should wear gloves when administering the product.

Storage: Store at or below 25°C (77 F)

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

  • Proven through rigorous testing and FDA approval
  • Consistent high quality from a well-established manufacturer
  • Reliable strength and stability in each batch
  • Proven stability under recommended storage conditions

To be administered orally, once daily, by dissolving the tablet with a small amount of water and/or mixing with molasses or feed. Tablets dissolved in water can be administered with a syringe or mixed with feed. Administer the dissolved product immediately. To minimize the risk of human exposure, tablets should not be crushed.

Starting dose:
Administer orally at a starting dose of 2 mcg/kg once daily. Dosage may be adjusted to effect, not to exceed 4 mcg/kg daily.

Most horses respond to therapy at an average dose of 2 mcg pergolide/kg body weight. Initial clinical improvement with pergolide is expected within 6 to 12 weeks. Horses may respond clinically at lower or varying doses; it is therefore recommended to titrate to the lowest effective dose per individual based on response to therapy and endocrine testing.

  • What is the approved use for PRASCEND?

    PRASCEND is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat common signs associated with a disease called pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), which is also known as equine Cushing's disease.4

  • What are the benefits of treatment with PRASCEND for horses and their owners?

    Treatment with PRASCEND improves the quality of life of PPID-affected horses by reducing common signs and decreasing the risk of other illnesses that may be associated with PPID.4

  • What is the difference between compounded pergolide and PRASCEND?

    PRASCEND is the first and only FDA-approved pergolide for horses. FDA approval ensures that PRASCEND has been shown to be safe and effective in extensive studies. PRASCEND is brought to you by a well-established manufacturer and produced at state-of-the-art facilities that ensure rigorous testing for stability in each dose, not from various compounders.

References

1. PRASCEND® (pergolide tablets) [package insert]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2011.
2. PRASCEND® (pergolide tablets) [Freedom of Information Summary]. St Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2011.
3. Donaldson MT, Jorgensen AJ, Beech J. Evaluation of suspected pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses with laminitis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004;224(7):1123-1127.
4. Frank N, Geor RJ, Bailey SR, Durham AE, Johnson PJ. Equine metabolic syndrome. J Vet Intern Med. 2010;24(3):467–475.

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Boehringer ingelheim is proud to support the Equine Endocrinology Group (EEG). The EEG is a group of clinicians and researchers that work together to advance our understanding of endocrine disorders in horses.

Learn more about the EEG

Veterinary Technical Services

Boehringer Ingelheim 
Equine Division
3902 Gene Field Road
St. Joseph, Missouri 64506

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