Apoquel (oclacitinib) Tablets, 5.4 mg

Apoquel 5.4mg Tablet for Fast Allergy Itch and Skin Inflammation Relief in Dogs

Product Description

Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate) 5.4 mg is a prescription oral tablet formulated to control itching and skin inflammation in dogs caused by allergic and atopic dermatitis. As a synthetic Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works by targeting the specific cytokines responsible for triggering allergic itch and inflammation in dogs, rather than acting through steroids or antihistamines. It gets to work within 4 hours, with most dogs experiencing meaningful itch relief within 24 hours, and it is safe enough for both short-term and ongoing use in dogs aged 12 months and above.

Benefits

• Rapid Itch Relief: Allergic itch starts being brought under control within 4 hours of the first dose, putting a quick stop to scratching, licking, and chewing.
• Effective Within 24 Hours: Most dogs see strong itch relief within a single day, bringing real comfort to those dealing with allergic skin conditions.
• Targets the Root Cause: Directly blocks the Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) and JAK3 cytokine pathways that set off allergic itch and inflammation, rather than simply masking the symptoms.
• Not a Steroid or Antihistamine: Oclacitinib is a unique immunomodulator that controls itch through a different mechanism, avoiding the drawbacks of corticosteroids and antihistamines.
• Short and Long-Term Use: Approved for both short-term relief and ongoing maintenance therapy, making it a flexible option for managing chronic allergic dermatitis year-round.
• Compatible with Common Medications: Works well in combination with parasiticides, antibiotics, vaccines, and allergen-specific immunotherapy based on observed clinical experience.
• Clinically Proven Effectiveness: In a 30-day trial, 86.4% of treated dogs had meaningfully lower itch scores by the end of just one week.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Oclacitinib maleate 5.4 mg per tablet

How to Use

Dosage & Administration Instructions

• Prescription Required: Apoquel is federally restricted to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian; always obtain a valid prescription before purchasing or administering.
• Initial Dosing Phase: Administer orally twice daily for up to 14 days at the recommended dose of 0.18 to 0.27 mg oclacitinib per lb (0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg) body weight.
• Maintenance Dosing: After the initial 14-day period, reduce to once daily administration for ongoing long-term management of allergic or atopic dermatitis.
• Weight-Based Tablet Count: For dogs weighing 10 to 14.9 lbs, give half a 5.4 mg tablet; for dogs weighing 20 to 29.9 lbs, give one 5.4 mg tablet; for dogs weighing 45 to 59.9 lbs, give two 5.4 mg tablets.
• With or Without Food: Giving Apoquel with a meal or on an empty stomach makes no real difference to how well it absorbs.
• Regular Monitoring Required: Dogs receiving Apoquel should be monitored periodically by a veterinarian for the development of infections and any new growths or lumps.
• Wash Hands After Handling: Always wash hands immediately after handling Apoquel tablets; in case of accidental eye contact, flush with water or saline for at least 15 minutes.

Disclaimer: This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any supplement for your pet.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Not for Dogs Under 12 Months: Apoquel is approved only for use in dogs 12 months of age and older; do not administer to puppies or younger dogs.
• Avoid in Active Infections: Do not use Apoquel in dogs with serious or active infections, as it modulates the immune system and may worsen existing infectious conditions.
• Neoplasia Risk Consideration: New benign and malignant neoplastic conditions have been observed in clinical studies; consider risks and benefits carefully in dogs with a history of recurring neoplasia.
• Not Evaluated with Immunosuppressants: The combined use of Apoquel with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other systemic immunosuppressive agents has not been evaluated and should be avoided.
• Breeding, Pregnant, or Lactating Dogs: Apoquel is not approved for use in breeding dogs or in pregnant or nursing female dogs under any circumstances.
• Secure Storage from Pets: Keep Apoquel in a location completely inaccessible to dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.

Possible Side Effects

• Vomiting: Among the most commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical trials; typically mild in nature and tended to resolve on its own with continued dosing.
• Diarrhea: Loose stools were reported in a small percentage of dogs during both short-term and long-term Apoquel clinical studies.
• Lethargy and Anorexia: Temporary tiredness and reduced appetite have been reported in some dogs receiving Apoquel; most cases resolved without stopping treatment.
• Increased Susceptibility to Infection: Apoquel may raise the risk of infections including demodicosis and pyoderma due to its immune-modulating mechanism of action.
• New Lumps or Growths: Cutaneous or subcutaneous lumps, including histiocytomas and lipomas, were noted in some dogs during clinical studies; always have new lumps evaluated promptly.
• Changes in Blood Parameters: Mild decreases in white blood cell counts and increases in cholesterol and lipase were observed; group means remained within normal reference ranges during studies.

Storage Information

• Ideal Storage Temperature: Keep Apoquel tablets somewhere dry and stable, within a temperature range of 68°F(20°C) - 77°F(25°C) to preserve their potency.
• Keep in Original Packaging: Holding onto the original container is the best way to shield tablets from moisture and keep them fresh throughout use.
• Away from All Pets and Children: Keep Apoquel and all veterinary medications completely out of reach of animals and children at all times.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Apoquel oclacitinib 5.4mg tablet used for in dogs?

Ans: Apoquel 5.4 mg is a vet-prescribed oral tablet for dogs aged 12 months and above that helps keep allergic and atopic dermatitis-related itching under control. Rather than masking the discomfort, it goes straight to the source by blocking the Janus Kinase (JAK) cytokine pathways that trigger allergic itch in the first place.

Q2: How quickly does Apoquel allergy tablet start working in dogs?

Ans: Apoquel begins controlling allergic itch within 4 hours of the first dose and achieves effective itch relief within 24 hours. In a clinical study, over 86% of treated dogs showed a significant reduction in owner-assessed itching scores within one week of starting treatment.

Q3: Is Apoquel oclacitinib tablet safe to use with other pet medications?

Ans: Apoquel has been used safely with many commonly prescribed medications including parasiticides, antibiotics, vaccines, and allergen-specific immunotherapy. However, its combined use with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressants has not been evaluated and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Q4: Can Apoquel anti-itch tablet be given to dogs long-term?

Ans: Yes. Apoquel is approved for both short-term relief and long-term maintenance use in dogs 12 months of age and older. Dogs on ongoing therapy should be periodically monitored by a veterinarian for any signs of infection, new skin growths, or other changes in health.

Q5: What types of dog allergies can Apoquel oclacitinib treat?

Ans: Apoquel covers a broad range of allergic skin conditions in dogs, from atopic dermatitis and flea, food, or contact allergies to other forms of allergic dermatitis, helping bring both itch and inflammation under control across all these conditions with clinical studies to back it up.

Clinical Research

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35300697/

https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-022-03210-x