Most commonly gastrointestinal effects (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia), polydipsia (increased thirst) or lethargy have been noted but other potentially serious adverse effects, including susceptibility to infections (e.g., pneumonia, demodicosis), neoplasia, and skin disorders are possible.
What are the side effects of too much Apoquel in dogs?
Dogs that received overdoses in safety studies had side effects that included one or more of the following: vomiting, diarrhea, cysts between the toes, skin inflammation, papilloma’s (warts), pneumonia, enlarged lymph nodes, and decreased blood cell production.
Can I stop giving my dog Apoquel cold turkey?
Apoquel may minimize the symptoms associated with allergic or atopic dermatitis. If Apoquel works for your dog, symptoms should subside as long as he’s on the drug. Unfortunately, if and when you stop giving Apoquel to your dog, his itchiness and inflammation will return.
Why do you need to wash hands after touching Apoquel?
Wash your hands immediately after handling the medication. The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, increased thirst, and lethargy. Because oclacitinib suppresses the immune system, serious side effects such as infections are possible.
What are the main side effects of Apoquel Related Questions
What is safer than Apoquel for dogs?
In general, Cytopoint® has fewer potential for side effects than Apoquel®, and that is often a reason to select it as a first choice therapy. However, neither Cytopoint® nor Apoquel® are effective in every dog. Some dogs do not respond to either therapy, or respond initially and then stop responding eventually.
Is it safe to give your dog Apoquel everyday?
If given once daily, it can be given either morning OR night, depending on when your dog seems most itchy. Ideally, Apoquel® should not be used twice daily over a long period of time, as this may increase the chances for side effects.
Can a dog be on Apoquel for life?
Apoquel can be used long-term at maintenance doses or seasonally as needed. Unlike steroids, it can be stopped without tapering. Some dogs will respond well to the initial higher doses, but experience itching again when the dose is reduced to maintenance levels.
How long is it safe for dogs to take Apoquel?
Most commonly, veterinarians recommend that dogs starting Apoquel take it twice daily for 14 days. Your vet may then slowly decrease the dosage for long-term use. The goal is to keep your dog on the lowest effective dose. Many dogs take the medication for the rest of their lives.
What is a natural alternative to Apoquel?
Yucca and quercetin are also great natural alternatives to Apoquel. Yucca has an effect similar to steroid drugs without the harmful side effects. Quercetin is a plant derivative that acts as a natural antihistamine and is a great option for dogs whose itching is reduced by Benadryl.
Can you skip a day of Apoquel?
Apoquel is typically prescribed for once daily dosing after an initial two week course of twice daily administration. If a dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours late, go ahead and give the missed dose. If it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip a dose and resume regular schedule with the next dose.
Can I give my dog Benadryl instead of Apoquel?
To recap: Apoquel may work better for long-term solutions to pruritus, but Benadryl will be fine in a pinch until you can get something better.
Can I give my dog Zyrtec instead of Apoquel?
Apoquel is used to help dogs with their skin itching and inflammation caused by allergies. Apoquel is associated with more side effects than Zyrtec or CBD ‚Äì some of them quite serious. Zyrtec and CBD alone or combined are likely safer for your dog if they successfully control your pet’s itching and inflammation.
What is the human version of Apoquel?
Oclacitinib (Apoquel®) is a JAK inhibitor used for the treatment of allergic skin conditions and itching in dogs. Oclacitinib is available in oral formulation for dogs, like the human JAK inhibitors, but oclacitinib has not been studied for use in humans and is not approved by the US FDA for use in humans.
Should you wear gloves when handling Apoquel?
Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves.
What is the warning for Apoquel?
Here’s the warning on the company’s website: ‚ÄúIMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use APOQUEL in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. APOQUEL may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse.‚Äù
Can I give my dog Claritin instead of Apoquel?
The human antihistamine Claritin (loratadine) is generally safe for dogs and can provide allergy relief. But you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any human medications.
Can CBD oil replace Apoquel?
CBD oil is the safest alternative to Apoquel as it has no side effects. It can relieve itching and allergies while promoting overall well-being in dogs. Additionally, CBD oil can be used with other medications without negative interactions.
What medication is the same as Apoquel for dogs?
Cytopoint injections and Apoquel (oral) are two popular medication options that provide long-lasting skin allergy relief. They are available only by prescription from a veterinarian who can determine whether either treatment is right for your pet.
Can Apoquel change dogs behavior?
These include being less active, less playful, more nervous, more fearful, more aggressive in the presence of food and when disturbed, more likely to bark. Apoquel, a drug used to help dogs with itchy skin conditions has been linked to increased aggression.
Does Apoquel make dogs urinate more?
APOQUEL is SAFE These side effects usually stopped on their own. With APOQUEL, your dog is less likely to suffer from the kinds of side effects often seen with steroids (another kind of drug treatment option). These include excessive drinking and urinating, panting, and weight gain.