Can Atopica Cause Diabetes In Dogs?

ATOPICA may cause elevated levels of serum glucose, and

should be used with caution in cases with diabetes mellitus

. If signs of diabetes mellitus develop following the use of ATOPICA, consideration should be given to tapering or discontinuing the dose.

How long can a dog stay on Atopica?

Can I stop giving my dog Atopica?

It is important to stop the medication

and immediately contact your veterinarian if you think your dog has any medical problems or side effects while taking Cyclosporine.

How long can a dog stay on cyclosporine?

The following are simply averages that may not suit every dog’s needs. The usual dosage of cyclosporine for dogs is 1.5 to 3 mg per pound of body weight given twice a day at first. Then, vets usually taper this off after about

30 days

to a minimum dose that will still effectively prevent symptoms.

Which is better Apoquel vs Atopica?

Atopica treats the immune system cause of the itch, so is more effective at preventing skin infections, ear infections, and itch

; Apoquel and Cytopoint only suppress the itch and do not address the underlying cause.

How do you taper off Atopica?

Following this initial daily treatment period, the dose of ATOPICA may be tapered by

decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or twice weekly

, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect. ATOPICA should be given at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Can Atopica cause kidney problems in a dog?

Since the effect of cyclosporine use on dogs with compromised renal function has not been studied,

Atopica should be used with caution in dogs with renal insufficiency

.

Should Atopica be given with food?

ATOPICA for Cats

should be administered directly on a small amount of food or orally just after feeding

.

Why is Atopica given to dogs?

Is the first medication specifically approved for the control of chronic atopic dermatitis in dogs weighing at least 4 lbs. (1.8 kg).

Effectively relieves itchiness and reduces skin lesions

.

What is the difference between Atopica and cyclosporine?

What Is Atopica?

Atopica is a brand name of cyclosporin

, which you’ll also see spelled cyclosporine, ciclosporine or ciclosporin. It’s a reasonably targeted immune suppressant that was first used in people having organ transplants. However, due to unpleasant side effects, it was never widely used elsewhere.

Is cyclosporine bad for dogs?

Note: an older (non-modified) form of this medication is available, called just Cyclosporin or Sandimmune®. This form of the drug is often not well absorbed into the bloodstream in dogs or cats, so

we do not recommend it

. You should always use the medication called Cyclosporin Modified for pets.

Should cyclosporine be taken with food for dogs?

Cyclosporine is

best given on an empty stomach (either one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal)

. Oral cyclosporine is best avoided in patients with a history of cancer. Atopica is labeled for dogs over 4 lbs only and for cats over 3 lbs in size and over 6 months of age.

What can I give my dog instead of 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.

Is there a generic for Atopica?

Cyclosporine capsules

(generic to Atopica) is used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs and control skin allergy symptoms such as scratching, licking, gnawing, skin infections and hair loss.

Which is safer Cytopoint or Apoquel?

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 Atopica cause weight gain in dogs?

Since most dogs seem to handle the drug just fine, owners are usually quite satisfied with their pet’s lack of itching and the

lack of the weight gain

and frequent urination that often accompanies corticosteroid use.

How much Atopica Can I give my dog?

Atopica for Dogs is available in 15 capsule blister packs in strengths of 10 mg for dogs 4-9 lbs, 25 mg for dogs 9.1-16 lbs, 50 mg for dogs 16.1-33 lbs and 100 mg for dogs 33.1-64 lbs. For dogs 64.1-79 lbs, give a combination of

one 100 mg capsule and one 50 mg capsule as a single dose

.

What are the side effects of steroids in dogs?

• increased thirst and urination.
• increased hunger.
• panting.
• general loss of energy.
• development or worsening of infections (especially bacterial skin infections)
• vomiting or nausea (less common)

Does Atopica suppress the immune system?

While Atopica has the power to annihilate viruses and infections,

it will lower the immune system of your pet in the process

. As such, Atopica is an immunosuppressant, meaning that Atopica will severely reduce the efficacy and strength of your pet’s immune system.

Does Atopica need to be refrigerated?

ATOPICA for Cats

should be stored in the original container at room temperature between 59 and 77°F

. Once opened, use contents within two months for the 5 mL container and 11 weeks for the 17 mL container. Close the bottle with the child-resistant screw cap after use. Keep out of reach of children!