What is Apoquel Tablets for Dogs?
Apoquel is a prescription medication that treats and controls itching and inflammation in dogs caused by allergic conditions such as flea allergy, food allergy, contact allergy, and atopic dermatitis. It provides fast relief, with onset of action within 4 hours and effective itch control within 24 hours. Apoquel requires a prescription from your veterinarian and is sold per tablet in multiple strengths, including 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, and 16 mg.
Suitable for:
- Dogs (Over 12 months old and 6.6 lbs, with Itching & Inflammation from Allergies)
Benefits:
- Begins working within 4 hours and effectively controls itching within 24 hours to stop your dog from scratching, licking, and chewing quickly!
- Safe for short term and long term usage in dogs 12 months and older.
- Can be used along with many other common medications, including parasiticides, antibiotics, vaccines, NSAIDs, and other allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops).
- Not a steroid, antihistamine, or cyclosporine — targets itch at its source with minimal impact on immune function.
- Controls pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
How does Apoquel Tablets for Dogs work?
Apoquel for Dogs 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 for Dogs works to control pruritus for fast-acting relief, and provides significant short-term and long-term reduction of itching and inflammation.
Cautions:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use Apoquel for Dogs in dogs under 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel may increase the risk of serious infections and can worsen existing parasitic infestations or pre-existing cancers. Consider the risks and benefits in dogs with a history of these conditions. New benign and malignant tumors have been observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel has not been evaluated with certain medications, including corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. The most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel has been used safely with many common medications, including parasiticides, antibiotics, and vaccines.
Brand Name
Apoquel
Generic Name
oclacitinib (ah-clas-eh-tee-nib)
Manufacturer:
Zoetis
What is the most important thing I should know about Apoquel Tablets for Dogs?
Apoquel for Dogs 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 Tablets for Dogs to my pet?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had an allergic reaction to the medication.
How should Apoquel Tablets for Dogs be given?
The dose of Apoquel tablets is 0.18 to 0.27 mg/lb of body weight. See Dosage Chart.
What are the potential side effects of Apoquel Tablets for Dogs?
Common side effects of Apoquel tablets may include increased susceptibility to infection, including demodicosis. It may also exacerbate neoplastic conditions. Adverse reactions reported in a masked field study included diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, ear infections, new cutaneous or subcutaneous lumps or dermal masses, 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 Tablets for Dogs?
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 Tablets for Dogs?
Contact your veterinarian immediately to seek medical attention.
What should I avoid while giving Apoquel Tablets for Dogs to my pet?
Apoquel for Dogs should not be given to dogs younger than 12 months or those with serious infections. Apoquel for Dogs is not for use in breeding dogs, or pregnant or lactating bitches. The use of Apoquel for Dogs has not been evaluated in combination with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other systemic immunosuppressive agents. Dogs receiving Apoquel for Dogs should be monitored for the development of infections, including demodicosis and neoplasia.
What other drugs will affect Apoquel Tablets for Dogs?
Talk to your veterinarian before giving any prescription or over the counter medications.