Apoquel is a non-steroidal tablet that is prescribed to dogs to relieve itchy skin due to allergies and skin diseases. This is the safest non-steroidal drug, the maximum effect of which occurs within one hour. How to properly give Apoquel to dogs, the dosage based on the weight of the animal and what contraindications there are - we’ll talk about this further.
Indications for use of Apoquel
If a dog develops an allergic reaction in the form of itching of the skin and dermatitis of various etiologies, the doctor prescribes the drug Apoquel. Non-steroidal tablets help quickly get rid of itching even in difficult situations when other antihistamines or hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Apoquel is used for symptoms of diseases such as:
- atopic, contact, allergic dermatitis;
- demodicosis;
- allergies: chronic, food, flea, seasonal, etc.;
- scabies.
After oral administration of the medicine, the active substance is absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration in the body is achieved less than one hour after administration and remains for the next 3-4 hours.
Mechanism of action
From a biochemical point of view, oclacitinib is not a corticosteroid or an antihistamine. It suppresses the enzyme Janus kinase, which determines the activity of certain groups of cytokines that cause allergies, inflammation, and itching.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines are information molecules that are formed in response to an irritant and transmit signals to other cells.
When an allergen enters the body, pruritic cytokines bind to receptors on nerve cells in the skin and send signals to the central nervous system. Other types of cytokines convey information about the allergen to immune cells, provoke the production of histamine and trigger an inflammatory response. In response, the animal develops itching, redness, thickening of the skin, and swelling.
The enzyme Janus kinase is involved in the transmission of cytokine signals. Oclacitinib binds to Janus kinase, reduces its conductivity, and disrupts the transmission of the allergen signal to other cells. As a result, the dog’s itching subsides, swelling and redness in the area of inflammation disappear.
After taking the tablet, oclacitinib is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, enters the circulatory system and enters all tissues and organs. Reaches its highest concentration an hour after administration. Oclacitinib does not accumulate and is excreted almost unchanged in the urine within 6–8 hours. According to the degree of effect on the body, it belongs to group 3 of hazard class.
Instructions for use for dogs
The use of Apoquel requires consultation with a veterinarian. This medicine has its contraindications. Side effects tend to accumulate in the animal’s body and appear after some time. Therefore, you should not violate the recommended dosage.
On a note! The drug is prescribed for complex treatment of itching along with antihistamines, shampoo or anti-itch spray, while maintaining the correct anti-allergic diet.
Compound
Apoquel tablets contain the main active ingredient – oclacitinib maleate. Its action is aimed at activating the reserve forces of the pet’s immune system to combat itching factors. The effect of the tablets occurs within 1-4 hours. The dog feels much lighter and the itching sensation is relieved.
Unlike steroid medications, which suppress the immune system when used incorrectly, Apoquel is safe for dogs to take. It has a more gentle effect on the body and helps to get rid of the symptoms of the disease faster.
Auxiliary components are lactose, cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, film former, purified water.
On a note! Apoquel can be used in combination with other medications. It is excreted through urination 7 hours after the first dose.
Release form
Apoquel is a white oval tablet, packaged in polyethylene bottles with a screw cap or in blisters of 10 pcs. The number of tablets in a bottle can be 20 or 100. A film coating with a dividing groove is applied on top of the medicine. It helps maintain the correct dosage for dogs of different body weights.
Dosage
A special abbreviation (AQ) is applied to the surface of the tablets, which protects against counterfeiting of the drug and the numbering of the corresponding dosage - S, M, L. Each letter corresponds to the permissible weight of the pet for taking them, and the amount of the active substance (Oclacitinib) in the composition:
- S – 3.6 mg;
- M – 5.4 mg;
- L – 16 mg.
The dosage depends on the weight of the dog and the amount of active ingredient in the composition. Tablets are given to the animal 2 times a day in accordance with the table below, taken from the manufacturer’s official website:
| Animal weight, kg | S – 3.6 mg | M – 5.4 mg | L – 16 mg |
| From 3 kg to 4.4 kg | 0.5 tablets | – | – |
| From 4.5 to 5.9 | – | 0.5 tablets | – |
| From 6 to 8.9 | 1 tablet | – | – |
| From 9 to 13.4 | – | 1 tablet | – |
| From 13.5 to 19.9 | – | – | 0.5 tablets |
| From 20 to 26.9 | – | 2 tablets | – |
| From 27 to 39.9 | – | – | 1 tablet |
| From 40 to 54.9 | – | – | 1.5 tablets |
| From 55 to 80 | – | – | 2 tablets |
The course of taking tablets should not exceed more than 14 days. If during treatment the dog develops an individual intolerance to the constituent components, then the medication should be stopped and consulted with a veterinarian.
On a note! The effect of the drug lasts for 24 hours.
Best before date
Unused halves of the medicine can be stored for 3 days in a cool place. The shelf life of an unopened jar is 2 years from the date of production.
Apoquel should be stored at an ambient temperature of 0 to +25C and air humidity of no more than 70%.
How to give to dogs
You can give Apoquel to dogs along with the main meal, or give it by hand, or forcefully put it on the tongue and allow it to swallow. Your pet should have free access to water to wash down the tablet.
Important! The owner must ensure that the dog swallows the medicine.
Similar medications
There are no absolute analogues. Before the development of Apoquel, dogs with severe itching were and continue to be prescribed 3 groups of medications:
- Corticosteroids – Dexamethasone, Prednisolone or its veterinary version Prednivet. The drugs give a lot of side symptoms. From increased appetite, thirst during short-term courses to endocrine system disorders, renal, liver failure after long-term treatment. Steroid medications are not discontinued overnight; the dose is reduced gradually.
- Antihistamines - Claritin, Zyrtec, Telfast, Gismanal, Allegra and others. Not all dogs are helped.
- Immunosuppressants – Cyclosporine or veterinary analogue Atopik. They suppress the immune system and sometimes cause intestinal and stomach disorders.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite its effectiveness, Apoquel has a number of contraindications for use. The medicine should not be given:
- small puppies under 1 year of age;
- pregnant females;
- nursing brood, during lactation;
- in the presence of individual intolerance to the components;
- during the period of vaccination against other diseases.
Apoquel is also not recommended:
- for males who are preparing for mating, a month before and 1 month after;
- if the dog has viral infections, cancer, inflammation of internal organs;
- animals whose weight does not exceed 3 kg.
Side effects may occur if the permissible dosage has been violated or the medication has been taken for more than two weeks.
Side effects in dogs are as follows:
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased flatulence;
- apathy towards the environment, a depressed state or, conversely, aggression;
- refusal to eat or increased feeling of hunger;
- the appearance of swelling, hair loss in some places;
- in females there is a risk of miscarriage of unborn puppies;
- damage to the adrenal glands, cartilage tissue;
- changes in the dog's blood pressure level.
Long-term use of Apoquel can lead to anemia in your pet and a decrease in the level of resistance to other diseases.
Important! Unlike its analogues, Apoquel is not addictive in dogs. It can be canceled or the dosage reduced without harm to health.
Reviews from dog breeders
Elena. We have a golden retriever - until he was two years old, he was as handsome as a picture, and then it started: he shakes his ears, whines, tore them to the point of bleeding, his paws are inflamed and constantly licks. They tried to give metypred and immediately vomited. The vet said to look for Apoquel or nothing else will help. It’s a lot of money, we’ve been drinking for two weeks – I’m afraid I’ll jinx it. My paws are healing, my ears have stopped scratching altogether. I hope there won't be a relapse.
Dog breeders note the high effectiveness of the drug.
Vladislav. And we picked up the dog at the entrance. An incomprehensible dirty lump, my wife persuaded me to take it away, at least wash it. When they washed it, it turned out that half of the fur was missing, everything was covered in bloody crusts. We ran to the vet, we thought our Nakhodka was dying. They said that the dog was allergic, plus the infection was caused by scratching. A street dog and an allergy sufferer, can you imagine? Now I periodically splurge on Apoquel - we take 16 mg and divide it, it’s cheaper. The find turned out to be a poodle mix, now twice the size - just a white furry ball.
Nina Mikhailovna. We were very “lucky” to have two atopic Giant Schnauzers in the house. Two puppies were taken from one litter. We went through fire and water: diet, hunger, special food, and natural food. We overheard about Apoquel, my daughter brought it from Moscow. This is fantastic - everything has gone away for Ike, he is an absolutely healthy dog, he no longer takes pills. And Mark’s front legs haven’t healed yet, so we give him half a tablet once a day.
Price
The price of Apoquel varies depending on the required dosage of the main active ingredient:
- cost for 20 tablets – from 1450 rubles. up to 5800 Russian rubles;
- the price for a package of 100 tablets is 12,500 rubles.
You can buy Apoquel at a veterinary clinic, on the website of the official representative. The medicine is dispensed without a veterinarian's prescription.
Warning for the owner
When giving Apoquel to a dog, you must follow safety precautions and personal hygiene rules. Make sure that the animal does not bite your fingers, hand or other parts of the body. A person is prohibited from drinking alcohol, smoking, eating food or drinking water during this time.
After giving the medicine to your dog, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and treat them with an antiseptic.
Apoquel is an effective medicine for dogs, used when unbearable itching occurs due to diseases: dermatitis, allergies, etc. Following clear instructions for use for animals will help avoid unwanted consequences and overdose.
In what cases is medication prescribed?
Tablets are prescribed in the presence of a pathological reaction to any component, which is accompanied by itching, burning and the appearance of rashes. The medication reduces the size of inflammation in skin lesions. The drug is effective for atopic dermatitis, allergies caused by fleas, chemicals, as well as food and various medications.
The drug can be used in the complex treatment of atopic dermatitis
The medication can be used to relieve weeping and itching that occurs as a result of a tick bite. However, when treating, it should be remembered that this remedy eliminates only the symptoms, but not the cause of the disease, which must be clarified.
