Apoquel Tablet Description
Apoquel is designed to treat and control your dog’s itchy skin which could be caused by fleas, food, and allergies. Apoquel provides relief in 4 hours and helps control itching within 24 hours. Apoquel is not a steroid or antihistamine. It works differently than these other drugs and goes directly to the source to address the underlying cause of the irritation and quickly quells the allergic reactions. Apoquel is not a steroid-based treatment. Steroid-based medications often have unwanted and sometimes harmful side effects, including excessive thirst and urination as well as weakening the immune system. Administering the anti-itch tablets offers a way to give your dog long-lasting relief. Since they last from 12-24 hours, your pet will experience a full day free of pruritis and atopic dermatitis with a convenient twice-daily dose. Additional benefits include a low likelihood of GI upset and no withdrawal needed for skin testing and food allergy maintenance, making it a good option for most dogs with allergies. *Apoquel tablets are sold per tablet in strengths of 3.6mg, 5.4mg, or 16mg.
Which animals/pets is Apoquel Tablet for?
For dogs older than 12 months in age.
Provides relief in 4 hours. Works to control itch in 24 hours. Reduces inflammation in your dog's skin. Relieves and controls itching from flea, food, contact allergies, and atopic dermatitis. Specifically designed to control itch while having minimal impact on other parts of your dog's body – few side effects. One of the significant advantages of Apoquel is that your dog can take it if they are taking anti-parasitic medications or topical ointments for controlling fungal and bacterial skin infections. Apoquel can be used with heartworm and flea preventatives, vaccines, NSAID’s, antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, and topical skin products used for dogs with skin infections. Apoquel does not interfere with allergy testing, an important benefit since many itchy dogs suffer from allergies and may require testing to determine the exact allergen.
What does Apoquel Tablet do?
Oclacitinib, the active ingredient in Apoquel, stops the sensation of itching by changing how the dog's immune system acts. When Apoquel enters the dog's bloodstream, it blocks specific enzymes known as Janus kinases. These are the culprits that cause the itchiness and inflammation associated with many skin issues. When these enzymes are blocked, it reduces itchiness and inflammation and reduces the damage to the dog's skin caused by constant itching.
Apoquel Tablet side effects
The most common side effects are: Vomiting and diarrhea, Lethargy, Anorexia, Urinary tract infections, Pyoderma (a bacterial skin infection), Ear infections. These side effects commonly resolve themselves with continued dosage. Contact your veterinarian to discuss any concerns you have.
Current studies have not resulted in any specific drug interactions when taking Apoquel. In fact, Apoquel has not demonstrated any adverse effects when used with medications such as: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Vaccines, Allergy shots and drops. However, Apoquel has not been evaluated when used in combination with other systemic immunosuppressants like such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine. It is essential to make sure your veterinarian knows about any other medications your dog is taking and that you monitor your dog for any side effects.
Apoquel Tablet ingredients
Oclacitinib maleate
Apoquel Tablet overdose: What to do?
In case of Apoquel overdose, contact the closest emergency animal hospital.
What to know before using Apoquel Tablet
Apoquel should not be used for dogs with serious infections as it may increase the risk for infection including demodicosis and exacerbate neoplastic conditions. Apoquel is not for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Apoquel has not been evaluated for use in combination with cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, or other systemic immunosuppressive agents.
How is Apoquel Tablet sold?
Apoquel is sold per tablet in strengths of: 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg or 16 mg.
Zoetis
Tips for using Apoquel Tablet
Apoquel can be used in dogs over 1 year of age to help lessen itch and inflammation due to allergic skin disease. Unlike common therapies such as steroids, cyclosporines or antihistamines, Apoquel is the only treatment specifically designed to go straight to the source of the itch. Since Apoquel targets the cause of the itch, it has minimal effect on other parts of the dog’s body, unlike some other drugs.
Administer two Apoquel tablets per day for up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, you will need to give a maintenance dose of 1 tablet per day.
Apoquel may be given with or without food.
How to Store:
Store capsules at controlled room temperature 25°C (77°F) with excursions between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) permitted.
Each Apoquel tablet contains 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, or 16 mg of oclacitinib as oclacitinib maleate per tablet.
