If your horse has been diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) — commonly called Equine Cushing's Disease — pergolide is the standard of care. And if you've priced out Prascend, the only FDA-approved commercial brand, you've probably had sticker shock. The Kentucky Equine Research foundation notes PPID affects up to 20% of horses over age 15.

Prascend vs. Compounded Pergolide

Prascend (pergolide mesylate tablets, 1mg) is FDA-approved for equine PPID. It works well — but at $2–$4 per tablet, a horse on 1–2mg/day costs $60–$120/month at minimum, often more for larger horses requiring higher doses.

Compounded pergolide is prepared by licensed 503A compounding pharmacies in forms that may suit your horse better:

• Oral powder or pellets (easy to add to feed)
• Oral paste or suspension
• Custom doses (0.5mg, 1.5mg, 2mg, or any dose your vet prescribes)

What Does Compounded Pergolide Cost?

• Oral powder/pellets (30-day, 1mg/day): $25–$60/month — most horse-friendly form
• Oral paste: $30–$65/month
• Oral suspension: $35–$70/month

Compare that to Prascend at $60–$120+ for the same dose range. Compounded options can represent 30–60% savings — significant for a medication given daily, indefinitely. If your horse also has gastric ulcers, read our guide on GastroGard vs. compounded omeprazole — another major cost savings opportunity.

Is Compounded Pergolide Legal?

Yes. Licensed 503A compounding pharmacies can legally prepare pergolide for horses with a valid veterinary prescription. The pharmacist compounds for the individual patient (your horse), not for general distribution. For a full explanation of how this works, see our guide to compounding pharmacies.

What to Ask Your Vet

When discussing compounded pergolide with your vet, request that they specify the dose, form, and quantity on the prescription, and confirm they're comfortable with you filling at a compounding pharmacy — most equine vets are very familiar with this.

How to Compare Prices

Prices vary considerably between pharmacies — the same 1mg/day pergolide supply can range from $28 to $65/month. CompoundingFinder.com collects free price quotes from multiple licensed pharmacies so you can compare side-by-side within 1–2 business days.