Apoquel (Oclacitinib)

What is Apoquel?

Apoquel is used to treat skin diseases in dogs. It contains oclacitinib. It helps manage itching in dogs along with allergic dermatitis and atopy in dogs who are 12 months of age.

Oclacitinib is also known by the brand name Apoquel. It is a drug used to treat allergies in dogs, specifically canine atopic dermatitis, by reducing itching. Apoquel, in contrast to certain other canine allergy medications, is neither an antihistamine nor a steroid. Apoquel is a first-of-its-kind veterinary drug that selectively inhibits the Janus kinase

How to use Apoquel?

• It is recommended that your dog should take two pills of Apoquel twice a day for the first 14 days. After that, the dosage should be decreased to once daily for maintenance. It can be administered with or without food; however, doing so may lessen the likelihood of G.I. adverse effects. Long-term maintenance doses of Apoquel or seasonal as-needed use are both options. It can be stopped abruptly, unlike steroids.

• To treat dog allergies, several veterinarians and veterinary dermatologists recommend Apoquel in addition to other medications. Along with Apoquel, your allergic dog may receive topical, injectable, or other oral treatments. While alternative treatments can start working at the cause of the itching, the first two weeks of larger dosages offer excellent relief from itching.

• Consult your veterinarian for the correct dosage. (See Apoquel dosing chart).

APOQUEL DOSING CHART

What are the uses of Apoquel?

Apoquel helps control itching or pruritus in dogs. It is used in the management of allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in dogs. Apoquel dramatically decreases itching and skin irritation, redness, or swelling.

Due to its generally milder side effects compared to those of steroids and immunosuppressive medications like prednisone and cyclosporine, Apoquel is usually prescribed by veterinarians for treating allergies in dogs. It can begin reducing irritation in as short as four to twenty-four hours.

What are the side effects of Apoquel?

Every medication has the potential to cause side effects, and Apoquel is no different. The following side effects could occur in all or some dogs using Apoquel:

• Dermal masses

• Decreased appetite

• Diarrhoea

• Lethargy

• Vomiting

• Decreased leucocytes

• Reduced globulins

• Increased cholesterol and lipases

The lesser common side effects of Apoquel include -

• Urinary tract infections

• Skin infections

• Ear infections

• Respiratory infections

• Pneumonia

• Neoplasia

• Bloody diarrhoea

• Histiocytomas

• Demodicosis

• Increased proneness to infections

The most frequent side effects in dogs are gastrointestinal, which may be reduced by taking the medication with meals. Your veterinarian may suggest regular blood tests to see whether Apoquel affects organ or blood cell function. Apoquel may make some dogs more susceptible to infections. You should monitor immune system function. It should not be used on dogs with a history of cancer since it can worsen malignant tumors.

Consult your veterinarian if your dog develops any of the above symptoms or if your dog suffers from a fever, shortness of breath and any other signs of infection.

What are the safety/warnings for Apoquel?

Do not use this medicine for your dog if:

• Your dog is pregnant or nursing her puppies

• Your dog has a history of cancer

• Your dog is to be considered for breeding

• Your dog has had a recent attack of demodectic mange or is prone to red and itchy skin

• Your dog suffers from cancerous or neoplastic conditions

• Your dog is hypersensitive to oclacitinib

• Your dog is less than 12 months of age

• Your dog is less than 3 kg bodyweight

• Your dog has a history of immune suppression like hyperadrenocorticism or a history of progressive malignant neoplasia.

• Your dog is on corticosteroids

How does Apoquel work?

Oclacitinib works by inhibiting the enzymes that cause itchiness and inflammation. Apoquel inhibits the function of various pruritogenic and proinflammatory cytokines, including JAK1- and JAK3-dependent cytokines involved in dog allergies. You can notice the relief in your dog within about 12-24 hours after giving the first dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Apoquel?

• If you miss giving your dog the usual dose, give the dose as soon as you remember.

• If it is time for the next dose, avoid giving the missed dose and stick to the regular schedule.

• Do not give a double dose.

Interactions of Apoquel:

Drug interactions could change how your medications function or increase the risk of side effects. Antihistamines, antibiotics, and NSAIDs are among the medications that Apoquel considers safe to take. It should be taken with other immunosuppressive medications with caution.

Apoquel is safe to take along with antibiotics, antifungals, anti-arthritis treatments, allergy shots or drops, any flea/tick/heartworm preventive, thyroid supplements, and seizure medications.

While using oclacitinib, short-term corticosteroids or cyclosporine (Atopica) is safe, but prolonged use has not been studied and is not advised.

Antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-seizure drugs, allergy immunotherapy, and vaccinations can all be taken safely together with oclacitinib. Tell your vet doctors about any medications your pet is receiving, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments.

Different Dosages of Apoquel:

There are three oral dosages of Apoquel: 3.6, 5.6, and 16 mg. For dogs of most sizes, appropriate dosing is made simple by the diversity of strengths and the suggested dose range of 0.18 to 0.27 milligrammes per pound—a handy dosing chart for vets as a reference. Based on your dog's body weight and medical history, your doctor will suggest the proper dosage for them.

Overdose of Apoquel:

Keep all medications out of your dog's reach because Apoquel can cause an overdose in dogs. If your dog consumes more Apoquel than recommended, seek immediate consultation from a veterinarian. Call your neighborhood veterinarian or animal emergency center, or get in touch with a pet poison helpline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline. If the overdose happened within the last hour, the vet could advise you to induce vomiting. Your dog will probably require medical care to manage symptoms and prevent harmful effects.

What is the Apoquel Cost?

Apoquel comes in doses of 3.6mg, 5.6mg, and 16 mg in a pack of 20 tablets. Apoquel cost between $80 to $100 in the Us market. One can get the Apoquel quickly from an Online pharmacy or nearby pet veteran store at low Apoquel price.

Through MedsEnagage, you can get reduced Apoquel cost compared to the local, regional pharmacy, or other online pharmacy platforms.

Order Apoquel online:

One can order and purchase Apoquel for dogs from an Online pharmacy store. The medication is available in the dosage of 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, and 16 mg. MedsEngage offers a $10 discount which helps to get the lower Apoquel cost than other pharmacy stores. You can also enjoy free shipping on your first order, which can help you to save on Apoquel price.

For 20 tablets, the Apoquel cost was typically around $200 at a local U.S. drugstore or an online pharmacy store . You can reduce this Apoquel price by using a printable coupon, rebate, or savings card provided by these neighborhood pharmacies.

Storage of Apoquel:

• Do not keep the package in the bathroom or any other damp area.

• Store the medicine in a cool, dark, dry place away from light and moisture at room temperature.

• Keep the medicine away from the reach of children.

Is it safe to buy Apoquel online from an Online Pharmacy?

If you are looking to buy Apoquel or any prescription drugs from an Online Pharmacy in the USA, you can order from a safe and accredited International pharmacy like MedsEngage that offers lowest Apoquel cost. The most affordable Apoquel price may be found right here at MedsEngage. We charge $ 50 - $80 based on the country's product for 20 (3.6 mg) tablets, with no additional delivery costs. The same tablets of Apoquel cost $100 at your neighborhood U.S. pharmacy. Once you order Apoquel from our website, we'll deliver it right to your door, saving you the time it would take to look for it in your area.

MedsEngage is one of the reliable online international and Canadian pharmacies which offers prescribed Brand and generic medicines at a reduced cost. It is the most trusted and reliable source to deliver your medicines with excellent customer support services 24X7. MedsEngage offers medication delivered to your door with FREE standard shipping.

What are the different options to lower the Apoquel cost?

Apart from the discounted coupons and insurance plans, Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are also offered as manufacturer coupons. These are funded by pharmaceutical firms and offer free Apoquel may be less expensive for heavily discounted medications to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals who comply with specific requirements. Each program has a different set of eligibility requirements which can be checked online from their websites.

Why choose MedEngage as your preferred Online pharmacy?

MedsEngage has affiliate pharmacies with a valid license and certification from its country of operation. Your purchase experience will be secure and safe, thanks to our efforts. Our primary goal is to give you access to secure and reasonably priced prescription pharmaceuticals, and we conduct business exactly as your neighborhood retail pharmacy would. We offer our reasonable costs without requiring insurance coverage.

FAQs:

How does Apoquel work?

Apoquel works by blocking "cytokines," or its molecules, in your dog. Cytokine molecules in the body cause inflammation and irritation in the area of concern when dogs are allergic to something or are experiencing seasonal allergies. The FDA has approved Oclacitinib, also known as Apoquel, an immunosuppressant medication in the Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor class. This medication essentially blocks the JAK-1 and -3 signaling that typically takes place when a cytokine attaches to a receptor on the cell surface.

How long does Apoquel take to work?

Apoquel relieves allergic dog itch within 4 hours and can be controlled within 24 hours. Two doses of Apoquel are administered daily for up to 14 days, followed by one dose per day for maintenance therapy. It can be used temporarily to treat flare-ups or permanently to address persistent skin conditions.Two doses of Apoquel are given daily for up to 14 days as part of treatment. One dose each day will be sufficient after the initial 14 days. You can administer Apoquel with or without food.

What is a good substitute for Apoquel?

Additionally, excellent natural alternatives to Apoquel include yucca and quercetin. Yucca has a similar impact to steroid medications without the side effects. For dogs whose itchiness is relieved by Benadryl, quercetin is a plant derivative that functions as a natural antihistamine and is a fantastic alternative.

What are the side effects of Apoquel?

Most frequently, gastrointestinal side effects (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia), polydipsia (increased thirst), or lethargy have been reported. However, other potentially serious adverse effects are also possible, such as increased susceptibility to infections (such as pneumonia and demodicosis), neoplasia, and skin conditions.

What if a human accidentally takes Apoquel?

After handling the drug, wash your hands right away. Do not try to induce vomiting until specifically recommended. Get medical help right away in case of emergency. Dial a doctor's number or a poison control center right away.

Where to buy Apoquel online?

Apoquel can be ordered from various online pharmacy stores. They are easily accessible via online stores and can save your time looking for them. MedsEnage is one of the most trusted and reliable pharmacy stores to get lowest Apoquel cost. They deliver your medicines with excellent customer support services 24X7 and with free standard shipping. They also offer coupons worth $10, which can help you save on Apoquel price and get the Apoquel medications at a much-reduced Apoquel cost compared to others.

Is It Safe To Buy Apoquel online From an Online Pharmacy?

If you are looking to buy Apoquel or any prescription drugs from an Online Pharmacy in the USA then you can order from a safe and accredited International pharmacy like MedsEngage, which contracts with Canadian Pharmacy and pharmacy in India. You require a valid prescription for your prescription drugs.

References:

• https://www.drugs.com/vet/apoquel.html
• https://www.petdermatologyclinic.com/apoquel-information
• https://www.fda.gov/media/113909/download