What is Apoquel?

Apoquel is used to treat and control itching and inflammation in dogs resulting from a variety of causes, including flea allergy, food allergy, contact allergy and atopic dermatitis. Apoquel delivers onset of relief within 4 hours. It effectively controls itching within 24 hours. Apoquel requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.

For:

Dogs over 12 months in age and weighing more than 6.6 lbs.

Benefits:

• Provides onset of relief within 4 hours
• Effectively controls itch within 24 hours
• Safe for short term and long term usage
• Can be used along with many other common medications, including parasiticides, antibiotics, and vaccines
• Uniquely targeted to stop the itch with minimal negative impact on immune function
• Controls pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and controls atopic dermatitis
• Sold per tablet

How does Apoquel work?

Apoquel is a selective janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which targets pruritogenic (itch creating) cytokines. It effectively controls itching due to food allergies, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. Apoquel works to control pruritus for fast-acting relief, and provides significant short-term and long-term reduction of itching and inflammation.

Cautions:

This product is not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. For use in dogs only. Do not give to dogs younger than 12 months or those with serious infections. Apoquel is not for use in breeding dogs, or pregnant or lactating bitches. Wash hands immediately after handling the tablets. In case of accidental eye contact, flush immediately with water or saline for at least 15 minutes and then seek medical attention. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.

Brand Name

Apoquel

Generic Name

oclacitinib (ah-clas-eh-tee-nib)

Manufacturer:

Zoetis

What is the most important thing I should know about Apoquel?

Apoquel is used to relieve itching and inflammation caused by a variety of diagnoses, including allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Apoquel to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to the medication.

How should Apoquel be given?

The dose of Apoquel tablets is 0.18 to 0.27 mg/lb of body weight. Therefore, the recommended initial dosage for dogs 6.6-9.9 lbs is ½ of a 3.6 mg tablet twice daily. The dosage for dogs 10-14.9 lbs is ½ of a 5.4 mg tablet twice daily. The dosage for dogs 15-19.9 lbs is one 3.6 mg tablet twice daily. The dosage for dogs 20-29.9 lbs is one 5.4 mg tablet twice daily. The dosage for dogs 30-44.9 lbs is ½ of a 16 mg tablet twice daily. The dosage for dogs 45-59.9 lbs is two 5.4 mg tablets twice daily. The dosage dogs 60-89.9 lbs is one 16 mg tablet twice daily. The dosage dogs 90-129.9 lbs is 1½ 16 mg tablets twice daily. The dosage for dogs 130-175.9 lbs is two 16 mg tablets daily.

What are the potential side effects of Apoquel?

Apoquel may increase susceptibility to infection, including demodicosis. It may also exacerbate neoplastic conditions. Adverse reactions reported in a masked field study included diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, new cutaneous or subcutaneous lumps, and lethargy. In most cases, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy spontaneously resolved with continued dosing.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Apoquel?

Give the missed dose with food as soon as you remember and resume a regular dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Apoquel?

Contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid while giving Apoquel to my pet?

Apoquel should not be given to dogs younger than 12 months or those with serious infections. Apoquel is not for use in breeding dogs, or pregnant or lactating bitches. The use of Apoquel has not been evaluated in combination with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other systemic immunosuppressive agents. Dogs receiving Apoquel should be monitored for the development of infections, including demodicosis and neoplasia.

What other drugs will affect Apoquel?

Talk to your veterinarian before giving any prescription or over the counter medications.