Prid delta

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Prid delta

Property Description
Active ingredient Progesterone (P4)
Form Intravaginal device (Vaginal delivery system)
Pharmacological class Progestogen (Steroid hormone)
Primary Use Focus Oestrus control and synchronisation
Origin Synthetic or derived

What is the Nature and Classification of Prid delta?

Prid delta is a specialized, single-active ingredient progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) utilized exclusively as a veterinary medicinal product for cattle, manufactured by Ceva Santé Animale. Its active substance is Progesterone (P4), a core steroid hormone that belongs to the progestogen pharmacological class. As an endocrine modulator, the product's function is to temporarily and reversibly regulate hormonal cycles. This particular PRID is designed for optimized release kinetics, contributing to predictable oestrus synchronization outcomes.


Composition and Physical Form

Prid delta takes the physical dosage form of an intravaginal device and is intended for the intravaginal route of administration. The Progesterone is incorporated into an inert, flexible elastomeric polymer matrix, which serves as the non-active base, or vehicle. This structure is distinguished by its unique triangular shape and is specifically designed to minimize local irritation while ensuring consistency of drug release. The polymer architecture ensures a reliable and controlled release of the 1.55 g active ingredient, an established method for controlled hormonal delivery.


General Purpose and Role in Reproductive Management

The fundamental purpose of this device is the synchronisation of oestrus and precise oestrus control in female cattle, specifically cows and heifers. By maintaining a continuous, controlled level of Progesterone, the system achieves the necessary endocrine modulation to suppress the animal's natural ovarian cycle, temporarily preventing the animal from showing signs of heat. This controlled suppression is crucial for the implementation of efficient and time-managed breeding strategies, particularly those leveraged in Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) protocols and embryo transfer protocols, contributing significantly to systematic herd reproductive management.

What side effects are possible with Prid delta?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Prid delta, a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device, is derived exclusively from regulatory documentation for veterinary medicinal products and is characterized by localized reactions and specific constraints on use.

Adverse Reactions and Frequency

Adverse reactions associated with the use of the device are classified based on frequency of occurrence, with observations primarily localized to the reproductive system:

  • Very Common: The most frequently reported observations are the presence of ropy or cloudy vulvar secretions at the time of device removal. Additionally, a mild local reaction, which may present as inflammation of the vaginal wall, can be induced during the seven-day treatment period. These localized reactions are documented to resolve rapidly following device removal, with no reported adverse impact on subsequent fertility or pregnancy rates.

Safety Constraints and Contraindications

Regulatory documentation imposes strict limitations on the use of the device, serving as high-level safety constraints:

  • Contraindicated Populations: The device is contraindicated for use in pregnant cattle and sexually immature heifers. Use is also contraindicated in animals with pre-existing conditions such as infectious or non-infectious disease of the genital tract or abnormal genital tracts.
  • Timing Restriction: A minimum interval of 35 days following parturition must pass before the treatment can be initiated.
  • Systemic Health: Animals that are in poor condition due to illness, stress, or inadequate nutrition may respond poorly to the treatment. Conversely, the product can be used during lactation without a mandated withholding period for milk or meat.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Prid delta, a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device, is defined by the information documented in the authoritative prescribing materials, such as the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). This profile indicates that specific clinical signs or severe outcomes resulting from an overdose of the active substance, progesterone, via this controlled-release route are not formally documented in official labeling.

Official Regulatory Statements on Overdose

Feature Regulatory Statement
Documented Manifestations No specific symptoms, signs, or laboratory abnormalities resulting from overdose are documented in the official regulatory product label.
Antidote Information The official regulatory text that addresses antidote availability does not list or describe a specific antidote for overdose of this product.
Emergency Procedures No explicit emergency procedures or supportive management measures are documented for a progesterone overdose scenario.

The absence of detailed descriptive content means there are no regulator-defined severity classifications or explicit monitoring requirements for acute systemic toxicity. Consequently, the mandated immediate action does not pertain to progesterone toxicity but focuses on the potential for local complications related to the device. The requirement for urgent professional assistance, as stated in the documentation, is tied to physical complications, specifically difficulty in device removal. Seeking timely veterinary advice is required if this mechanical issue occurs.

Therapeutic Uses of Prid delta

Main Uses and Therapeutic Benefits of Prid delta

The primary therapeutic domain for Prid delta is the control and management of the reproductive cycle in cattle. The device is applicable in situations involving reproductive management, particularly in clinical settings marked by the need for systematic herd management and supportive management of breeding programs.


Therapeutic Application Domains

Prid delta is commonly used across conditions involving episodic or fluctuating reproductive manifestations, relevant in contexts where timed breeding is part of a clinical protocol. It is applied in scenarios where additional support for cycle management may be needed, supporting the process of cycle management in specific veterinary management protocols. The product is considered relevant for temporary management of the reproductive cycle.

“It supports management efforts related to reproductive scheduling when included in protocols.”


Benefits and Clinical Scenarios

This device contributes to easing the management load related to complex breeding protocols and supports management during periods of reproductive fluctuation. It assists with management of reproductive timing within the herd's breeding schedule, which may support general well-being during management phases.

Quick Fact: Management support for fluctuating reproductive cycles

Regulatory References

  1. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Summary of Product Characteristics

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Prid delta — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility profile for Prid delta is strictly defined by regulatory documents, which establish clear restrictions for use in cattle (cows and heifers).


Eligibility Scope

Category Description (Official Regulatory Wording)
Populations for whom use is allowed Cows and sexually mature heifers. Can be used during lactation.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Pregnant animals and sexually immature heifers.
Age-related eligibility rules Contraindicated in sexually immature heifers.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Do not use in animals with infectious or non-infectious disease of the genital tract or abnormal genital tracts (e.g., freemartins).
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Contraindicated during pregnancy. Can be used during lactation.
Eligibility-related restrictions Do not use before 35 days have passed since previous calving.

Resulting Eligibility Structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • The product is contraindicated and must not be used in pregnant cattle.
  • Use is prohibited in sexually immature heifers.
  • Use is prohibited in animals with any disease or abnormality of the genital tract.
  • The device must not be used before a minimum of 35 days post-calving.
  • Poor condition (due to illness, poor nutrition, or stress) may result in a poor response to treatment.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile:

Regulatory documents define who can and cannot use the product by establishing several absolute contraindications based on the animal's reproductive status, maturity, and health. The product is approved for use in cows and sexually mature heifers, but is prohibited in pregnant cattle and animals that have recently calved. The constraints ensure the device is only used in eligible animals to manage the reproductive cycle.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section outlines the officially documented interaction profile of Prid delta (progesterone intravaginal device) based on government regulatory labeling. The product's regulatory summary explicitly confirms a distinctive profile regarding co-administration requirements and adverse drug-drug interactions.


Official Interaction Structure

The regulatory label states that no adverse interactions are known with other medicinal products. The profile does not document pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions, such as those related to CYP-mediated metabolism, nor does it specify transporter-based or timing-based separation requirements for avoiding an interaction risk.

Classification Official Regulatory Description
Contraindicated Combinations None documented due to interaction risk.
Adverse Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs) None known.
Exposure-Modifying Substances None documented that formally alter progesterone concentrations.

Pharmacodynamic Co-administration Requirements

Although no adverse interactions are known, the product is officially indicated for use as part of combination protocols. Its intended therapeutic effect—oestrus synchronization—is achieved through the mandated co-administration of specific hormonal agents. These agents are required to work in conjunction with the progesterone released by the device:

  • Prostaglandin (PGF2alpha) or analogue
  • Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) or analogue
  • Equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin (eCG)

This structure establishes a regulatory constraint focused on required co-action rather than prohibitions against adverse interactions.

Mechanism of Action

How Prid delta Works

Prid delta functions as a unique dual agonist, activating both the nuclear receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor delta ( PPARdelta) and the G-protein coupled Delta Opioid Receptor (DOP).

Activation of PPARdelta initiates a transcriptional cascade that significantly alters the body's energy balance. This mechanism upregulates genes responsible for fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial function across metabolic tissues, promoting the use of fat as a fuel source and supporting cellular homeostasis. This process results in the suppression of inflammatory transcription factors and the promotion of antioxidant enzymes.

Concurrently, the agonistic action on the DOP in the brain triggers a G-protein signaling cascade. This targeted interference with inhibitory signaling (via the PI3 K- Akt- mTORC1 pathway) results in a rapid increase in neuronal firing and excitability in central circuits, a consequence that alters the functional state of specific central circuits.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Prid delta

The usage of Prid delta follows a precise, standardized protocol for hormonal management in cattle. This protocol ensures consistent application and management within the herd.


Administration and Dosing

Prid delta is provided as an intravaginal delivery system and is intended exclusively for the vaginal route of administration in cows and heifers. The dosage regimen is fixed at one device per animal for a single use only. Each device contains 1.55 g of Progesterone.

Feature Official Instruction
Route Vaginal use
Dose One device per animal
Duration Seven days (fixed course)

Procedural and Contextual Requirements

The administration process requires specific procedural steps. The device must be inserted using a dedicated, cleaned and disinfected applicator and the operator is instructed to wear gloves during both insertion and removal. The device is typically removed after the standard seven-day treatment period by pulling the retention cord.

The use of Prid delta is not a standalone treatment but is integrated into specific synchronization programs. This necessitates its co-administration with other hormonal agents. Specifically, protocols require the device to be used in combination with a prostaglandin (PGF2alpha) or analogue, which is generally administered 24 hours prior to the device's removal. Furthermore, the initiation of the treatment is constrained by the animal's reproductive history, as the device is indicated for use only after at least 35 days have passed since previous calving. This structure ensures standardized hormonal exposure.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Prid delta

The research surrounding the progesterone-releasing device, Prid delta, has explored its use within systematic breeding programs for cattle. The available evidence, which includes clinical trials and field studies, examines the device when incorporated into timed breeding protocols.


Evidence for Use in Oestrus Synchronization and FTAI Protocols

The research base primarily consists of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and controlled Clinical Field Trials where researchers studied the device for oestrus synchronization and Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI). These studies explored the device when used in combination with other agents as part of established synchronization programs.

Research has monitored outcomes related to reproductive processes, such as Pregnancy per Artificial Insemination (P/AI) and the rate at which cows display Oestrous Response (signs of heat) following the protocol. Studies reported patterns related to these outcomes, which were measured during the specific protocols tested. Some trials reported measured P/AI outcomes associated with the device's inclusion and outcomes measured in control groups utilizing other synchronization methods.

What remains uncertain is the degree to which findings from one specific synchronization protocol can be applied to others, as different combinations of co-administered hormones (such as GnRH or eCG) and protocol durations (e.g., 5-day versus 7-day) were evaluated in separate studies. The overall consistency of outcomes across all possible protocol variations is not fully established.


Evidence in Different Reproductive Subgroups

Research has explored outcomes across different subgroups of cattle, including animals of differing reproductive states. Research monitored outcomes for both cyclic and non-cycling (anestrus) cattle, where studies explored the device's use in research scenarios examining temporary physiological imbalance.

Furthermore, trials explored differences in outcomes based on parity, dividing the study groups into primiparous (first-calving) cows and multiparous (cows that have calved multiple times). Findings from some trials describe patterns where reproductive outcomes monitored in primiparous cows differed from those observed in multiparous cows when the same synchronization protocols were used. Results apply only to the specific subgroups and management conditions studied.


Limitations and Unanswered Questions from the Research

The heterogeneity of results across various synchronization protocols was observed, with studies reporting outcomes linked to the complete protocol utilized. Comparative evidence against certain newer synchronization methods is lacking.

Long-term effects and the full range of factors influencing late-stage outcomes, such as the factors influencing pregnancy loss observed in some study arms, are not fully established and require further investigation.

Key Studies & References

  1. SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS (SPC): Prid delta 1.55 g Vaginal Delivery System for Cattle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Prid delta (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Prid delta start working after I take it?

Official product documents indicate that the active substance, Progesterone, is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream after the device is inserted. The system is designed to provide a continuous, controlled release of the hormone for the entire treatment period to support the goals of reproductive synchronization.


Q: Is Prid delta suitable for use by older adults?

The product is a veterinary medicine intended for use exclusively in cattle, specifically sexually mature cows and heifers. Eligibility for use is determined by the animal's reproductive status, health, and a required post-calving interval, rather than the concept of age limits used for human medicine.


Q: Are there any side effects that are considered rare with Prid delta?

The official documentation uses a standardized system to classify side effect frequency. However, the regulatory summary for this device only reports observations that fall into the very common category, which primarily involve mild local reactions like inflammation of the vaginal wall and vulvar secretions.


Q: Can certain foods affect how Prid delta works?

Specific interactions between Prid delta and certain foods are not detailed in the official product information. However, regulatory warnings note that animals in poor general condition due to factors like illness, stress, or inadequate nutrition may have a reduced or poor response to the synchronization treatment.


Q: What if I have kidney or liver issues—can I still use Prid delta?

Official contraindications strictly prohibit the use of the device in animals with any infectious or non-infectious disease of the genital tract. While the liver is the main site where the active substance (Progesterone) is metabolized, the regulatory information does not list kidney or liver issues as a specific, absolute contraindication for use.


Q: Is Prid delta present in breast milk?

The product is explicitly approved for use in lactating animals (cows that are producing milk). The official product information specifies a zero-day withdrawal period for milk, meaning no discarding of milk is mandated by regulation.


Q: Is Prid delta available over-the-counter or only with a prescription?

Prid delta is classified by regulatory agencies as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM-V). This means the device is restricted to being supplied or administered exclusively under the prescription and authorization of a licensed veterinarian.


Q: Does Prid delta require any special monitoring or regular blood tests?

The official documents detail the precise protocol for use, which includes the mandatory co-administration of other hormonal agents and specific timing for device removal. However, the regulatory information does not mandate additional routine clinical monitoring or specific blood tests beyond the standard practices required for reproductive management.


Q: What are the signs that Prid delta may not be working for me?

The intended effect of the treatment is oestrus synchronization. Animals whose protocol is working as intended are expected to show signs of oestrus (heat) within 1 to 3 days after the device is removed. A lack of this expected response is an expected sign that the synchronization protocol may not have been effective.


Q: Does Prid delta contain lactose, gluten, or common allergens?

Official product documentation for veterinary medicine details the contents of the device. The listed excipients are components of the delivery system, such as the elastomeric polymer matrix and the plastic tail, but the regulatory information does not list common food allergens like lactose or gluten as ingredients.


Q: What are the inactive ingredients in Prid delta?

The inactive components, also known as excipients, are listed in the official Summary of Product Characteristics. These include the device's main structure, which is a flexible elastomeric polymer matrix, and the plastic tail used for removal.


Q: What is the official patient information leaflet called for Prid delta?

The most comprehensive official document summarizing the regulatory, scientific, and prescribing information is the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), which is published by regulatory bodies like the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. For farmers or users, this information is often summarized in accompanying product leaflets.

How should Prid delta be stored and disposed of?

Storage & disposal scope

Requirement Category Official Regulatory Statement
Storage Temperature The unopened device either does not require any special storage conditions or must be stored between 15°C and 30°C and protect from freezing [Source 1.2, 2.4].
Packaging Rules Must be stored in the original primary packaging (sachet). Do not use after the expiry date [Source 1.4, 1.5].
Stability Period The shelf-life of the product as packaged for sale is 3 years. After first opening the immediate sachet, the shelf-life is 6 months [Source 1.3, 2.1].
Child Protection Mandatory instruction to keep out of the sight and reach of children [Source 1.5].

Official Disposal Instructions

Any unused product or waste materials derived from the use of the device must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements [Source 2.1]. Disposal must prevent environmental contamination, following the rules for discarding veterinary medicinal waste. Gloves must be worn when handling the product during both insertion and removal [Source 1.3].

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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