There are no known effects of Apoquel® on organs such as the kidneys and liver . Some dogs have been treated with Apoquel for more than five years without any problem, and we do not expect there will be long-term problems. Dogs taking Apoquel® may have a slightly higher risk of developing bladder infections.
Is Apoquel metabolized in the liver?
Apoquel reaches maximum plasma concentration of 89% within one hour and is mostly metabolized by liver . We recommend doing annual or bi annual liver function tests on dogs that are on long term Apoquel.
What are the side effects of Apoquel for dogs?
Apoquel side effects listed for dogs in the product insert include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, SQ or dermal masses (unspecified), decreased leukocytes, decreased globulins, and increased cholesterol and lipase .
How long can a dog take Apoquel?
HOW LONG CAN MY DOG USE APOQUEL? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not placed any time restrictions on the use of APOQUEL. You can continue to treat your dog with APOQUEL for as long as your veterinarian recommends . In studies, dogs were treated with APOQUEL for more than 2 years.
Does Apoquel shorten a dog's life?
A safety study by Apoquel manufacturer Zoetis reported there were no fatalities and abnormal health events in a 28 day study . But abnormal health events were reported in 11 of 179 dogs post-study. These include: 1 dog got euthanized after 450 days of the drug.
What can cause high liver enzymes in dogs?
In terms of primary liver issues, ingestion of certain toxins or chronic inflammation of the liver (due to infection, an over-reaction of the immune system, genetic disorders, etc.) tend to create the most significant ALT elevations.
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.
Which is safer Apoquel or Cytopoint?
You or your veterinarian won't know which is most effective for your dog until you try them. I would begin with Cytopoint® because, the current opinion is that it is safer. The feedback I get from dog owners who have used both is that the anti-itch effects of Apoquel® were usually more dramatic than Cytopoint®.
Does Apoquel cause mast cell tumors?
Two dogs each developed a Grade II mast cell tumor after 52 and 91 days of APOQUEL administration , respectively. One dog developed low grade B-cell lymphoma after 392 days of APOQUEL administration.
Is Apoquel safe for senior dogs?
APOQUEL significantly reduces itching, and also decreases the associated inflammation, redness or swelling of the skin. Ask your veterinarian about APOQUEL today. APOQUEL is safe to use in dogs 12 months of age and older .
Does Apoquel suppress immune system?
Clinical trials have shown Apoquel suppresses the immune system and Janus Kinase enzymes, the FDA only recommends it's used for up to 14 days. While helping dogs in the short term, extended suppression of the immune system can lead to devastating effects.
Why do you have to wash your hands after handling Apoquel?
Humans should make sure to wash their hands thoroughly after handling Apoquel tablets. Apoquel is not a steroid, and so the list of possible side effects is much shorter compared to steroid drugs like prednisone .
Which is better Apoquel or Benadryl?
Not only is it safe, but it also doesn't need a hefty dosage to be effective. Essentially your dog can use it and stop it without any withdrawal symptoms. If your furry friend has any long-standing allergies that affect them occasionally or throughout the year, then Apoquel is by far the better option .
Can Apoquel cause tumors in dogs?
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 .
Is Benadryl better than Apoquel for dogs?
If your dog has more long-term allergies that plague them seasonally or even year-round, Apoquel is probably a better choice . It is meant for long-term use and generally provides more relief than antihistamines alone.
What is the best anti itch medicine for dogs?
- Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog & Cat Ointment. ...
- Vet's Best Moisture Mist Conditioner for Dogs. ...
- Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Hydrocortisone Spray Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Soothing Medicated Dog & Cat Spray. ...
- Dr. ...
- Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief Dog & Cat Spray.
Can I give my dog Apoquel every other day?
Apoquel should be given orally to your dog as a pill twice daily for the first 14 days, then reduced to once daily for maintenance . It may be given with or without food, but giving it with food may reduce the chances of GI side effects. Apoquel can be used long-term at maintenance doses or seasonally as needed.
How can I lower my dog's liver enzymes naturally?
Often, dogs suffering from liver disease do extremely well on a low-protein, high-fat diet . Including as many sources of Omega 3 fats such as fish oil and flaxseed oil is a wonderful way to give your dog the healthy fats his body needs and will be able to effectively process.
How can I lower my dog's liver enzymes?
Diet changes often help. Your dog may need a special diet to make sure they are getting the nutrients and calories needed to help their liver. Supplements such as SAM-E or milk thistle may help the liver recover . Antibiotics are used for infections of the liver.
What are symptoms of liver problems in a dog?
Signs that a dog has liver disease can vary and include loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach ulceration, diarrhea, seizures or other neurologic problems, fever, blood clotting problems, jaundice (a yellow tinge noticeable in the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes), fluid collection in the abdomen, excessive urination and ...
Is there a cheaper substitute for Apoquel?
There are currently no generic Apoquel alternatives for dogs . The drug is patented until 2026, so it is not expected that a generic Apoquel substitute will hit the market until after that time.
What is the generic version of Apoquel?
Back in May 2013, the FDA approved Apoquel, “for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and the control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.” The generic name for Apoquel is its active ingredient, oclacitinib .
Why is Apoquel not working?
Now, if Apoquel worked in the past and suddenly is not, there may be a secondary infection . You should take her to the vet to rule out infection. Typically vets will do a swab of the skin or tape prep cytology to look for yeast and bacteria under the microscope.
Does Apoquel cause weight gain?
In a review of her experiences with Apoquel for Pet Dermatology Clinic website, vet Melissa Eisenschenk agrees that incidences of ear infections, weight gain and urinary tract infections are higher in dogs on Apoquel .
Are there side effects to Cytopoint?
CYTOPOINT begins to relieve itch within 24 hours and lasts for 4 to 8 weeks, giving the skin time to heal. The most common side-effects of CYTOPOINT were mild, self-limiting vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy .
