Apoquel (Oclacitinib)

Apoquel (Oclacitinib) Medication Information:

What is Apoquel (Oclacitinib)?

Apoquel (Oclacitinib) is a synthetic Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor. JAK1 and JAK3 are two inflammatory mediators that play an important role in the chain of events that leads to an allergic reaction in dogs, which includes itching and inflammation.

What is Apoquel (Oclacitinib) used for?

It is a veterinary medicine used to treat atopic dermatitis and itching caused by allergic dermatitis in dogs over the age of 12 months. It is used to relieve itching, inflammation, redness, and swelling of the skin that comes with allergic skin disease in pets.

How does Apoquel work?

Apoquel is a non-steroid-based first-line treatment for skin allergic irritation and inflammation. It works by targeting specific proinflammatory cytokines, including JAK1- and JAK3-dependent cytokines that induce itching and inflammation, reducing symptoms of allergic skin illness while having a lower impact on the immune system.

Direction:

How to take Apoquel (Oclacitinib)?

Apoquel is given in doses of 0.4-0.6mg/kg every 12 hours for up to 14 days, then once daily after that. It is an oral tablet that can be given with or without food. If the pet is severely uncomfortable, it is suggested to give it twice a day for 7 days, then once a day. If it hasn't worked after two weeks, a Veterinarian must be consulted to change the medication.

What is the different dosage available?

Apoquel (Oclacitinib) is available in 3.6mg, 5.4mg, and 16mg doses as an oral tablet.

What is the recommended dosage?

Apoquel tablets are given at a dose of 0.18 to 0.27mg/lb (0.4 to 0.6mg/kg) f For up to 14 days of treatment.  APOQUEL should be administered twice daily (BID) for 14 days then once daily (SID) for maintenance.

What if you forget to give a dose of Apoquel?

If you forget to give Apoquel, give it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is approaching, skip the one you missed and return to your routine. Do not provide two doses at the same time.

Apoquel Precautions:

What should you know about Apoquel (Oclacitinib) before you start taking it?

Apoquel should not be given to dogs under the age of 12 months or to dogs with serious infections. It may increase the risk of serious infections, as well as make existing parasite skin infestations or malignancies worse. Consider the risks and advantages of treatment in dogs who have a history of these illnesses recurring. It should also not be administered to pets that are receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications.

Apoquel Side Effects:

What are the side effects of Apoquel (Oclacitinib)?

Common side effects of taking Apoquel include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting/Anorexia.
• Lipase and cholesterol levels are higher.
• Newly developed cutaneous or subcutaneous tumours.
• Lethargy
• Drop in globulin levels.

Apoquel Drug Interactions:

Does this medication interact with other drugs, foods, or alcohol?

Apoquel can be used in combination with a variety of other medications like  NSAIDs, anti-infectives, parasiticides, antifungals, and allergen-specific medicines. Although it is not safe enough to be used with other combinations of corticosteroids and cyclosporine. It is not for use in dogs with serious diseases, breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs.

Storage:

How should this medication be stored?

This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light, heat, moisture, and reach of the children.

Other Important Information:

• Not for use in dogs under 12 months of age, or weighing less than 2.9kgs.
• Not for use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs.
• Apoquel is not labeled for use in cats.

FAQs:

What Is Apoquel?

Apoquel is a nonsteroid (cortisone), non-antihistamine, or non-cyclosporine,   fast-acting, non-toxic itch reliever that allows your dog to get back to normal. It gives immediate and long-term relief from itching and inflammation without any major side effects associated with other treatments.

Is there a risk of developing an adverse effect from using Apoquel?

Pets may develop vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy in rare cases.

Is it safe for my dog to have regular vaccinations and use flea, tick, and worm preventatives while on Apoquel?

Yes, you do not need to discontinue any other ongoing treatments. Antibiotics, vaccinations, and parasiticides all work well with Apoquel (flea & tick preventatives).

What is the best way to store Apoquel and where should I keep it?

Apoquel should be kept at a controlled room temperature of 20-25°C and out of the reach of children.

How fast does Apoquel (Oclacitinib) start working?

In dogs with allergic dermatitis, Apoquel provides immediate relief that starts controlling itching within 4 hours, comparable to any other oral steroids.