What is Apoquel?
Apoquel is a medication used to reduce itching in dogs with allergic dermatitis. Its active ingredient is oclacitinib, an oral medication that is used to manage itching associated with allergic dermatitis , including atopy, in dogs. While it has been used successfully to treat a range of skin conditions in dogs, there are some potential side effects that pet owners should be aware of before giving their dog Apoquel.
According to various sources, including veterinarians and pet owners, Apoquel has been shown to be effective in reducing itching in dogs, particularly those suffering from allergic skin conditions. However, there have been reports of some side effects associated with its use.
Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea when taking Apoquel. Other potential side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite, and changes in behavior. While these side effects are relatively uncommon, it is important for pet owners to be aware of them and to monitor their dog's health closely while they are taking Apoquel.
It is also worth noting that Apoquel is a prescription medication, and should only be given to dogs under the guidance of a veterinarian. Your veterinarian is the best resource for discussing the potential benefits and risks of Apoquel, and can help you determine if it is the right choice for your dog. Additionally, you should always follow your veterinarian's instructions precisely when administering Apoquel, and never give your dog more than the recommended dosage.
Overall, Apoquel can be a useful tool in managing itching and skin conditions in dogs, but it is important to be aware of its potential side effects and to use it under the guidance of a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine if Apoquel is the right choice for your dog, and can advise you on the best way to use it to ensure that it is both effective and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions about apoquel
Apoquel® is an allergy medication that treats itching and inflammation in dogs by targeting an important itch signal in a dog's body, helping to stop the itch before it starts. Apoquel® starts working within 4 hours and helps stop itching within 24 hours.
Key takeaways: Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication used for dogs to manage itchiness caused by airborne allergies. Apoquel works by disrupting the immune response that causes itching and inflammation. Apoquel for dogs is a safe, long-term allergy treatment with minimal side effects.
What is Apoquel? Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablets) is an anti-itch, anti- inflammatory medicine with a new and unique mode of action. It is not an antihistamine or a cortisone-type drug. We find that it is generally very effective.
Take a 'stroll' through our manufacturing facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Apoquel tablets are made - to learn how we manufacture the product and the lengths we go to ensure pets have a safe and effective treatment to put an end to all that scratching.
oclacitinib
The active substance in Apoquel, oclacitinib, is an immunomodulator (a medicine that changes the activity of the immune system) that works by blocking the action of enzymes known as Janus kinases.
The most commonly reported adverse events were very rare* and in decreasing order were: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and blood-work changes. Less than 1 dog out of 10,000 treated experienced the most common individual adverse reactions.
Apoquel works rapidly, most dogs see complete relief within just a few days. Infections with yeast, bacteria, or mites may prevent apoquel from working as well as it should.
Is Apoquel a steroid or a type of antihistamine? Apoquel is not a steroid, antihistamine, or cyclosporine (a type of drug that reduces immune system activity). Apoquel is in a different category of medications. Unlike other medicines, Apoquel blocks allergic itch at the source.
Is Apoquel a steroid or a type of antihistamine? Apoquel is not a steroid, antihistamine, or cyclosporine (a type of drug that reduces immune system activity). Apoquel is in a different category of medications. Unlike other medicines, Apoquel blocks allergic itch at the source.
Apoquel is the brand name of oclacitinib, a dog medication designed to relieve itching associated with allergies in dogs, particularly canine atopic dermatitis. Unlike some other allergy medicines for dogs, Apoquel is neither a steroid (like prednisone) nor an antihistamine (like diphenhydramine).
“Over the last decade, Zoetis has been at the forefront of addressing allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs with Apoquel, and the FDA approval of Apoquel Chewable offers veterinarians an additional treatment option, enabling them to provide individualized care for their patients that also meet pet owners' needs,” said ...
There are no known effects of Apoquel® on organs such as the kidneys and liver. Some dogs have been treated with Apoquel for more than five years without any problem, and we do not expect there will be long-term problems. Dogs taking Apoquel® may have a slightly higher risk of developing bladder infections.
Apoquel can be given long-term with minimal side effects, allowing your dog's skin to heal. Just keep in mind that Apoquel may increase your dog's risk for skin infections like mites. And it may not be the best option for dogs with a history of cancer, since Apoquel may increase the risk of tumors.
Apoquel should be given orally to your dog as a pill twice daily for the first 14 days, then reduced to once daily for maintenance. It may be given with or without food, but giving it with food may reduce the chances of GI side effects. Apoquel can be used long-term at maintenance doses or seasonally as needed.
There are no known effects of Apoquel® on organs such as the kidneys and liver. Some dogs have been treated with Apoquel for more than five years without any problem, and we do not expect there will be long-term problems. Dogs taking Apoquel® may have a slightly higher risk of developing bladder infections.
Apoquel can be given long-term with minimal side effects, allowing your dog's skin to heal. Just keep in mind that Apoquel may increase your dog's risk for skin infections like mites. And it may not be the best option for dogs with a history of cancer, since Apoquel may increase the risk of tumors.
