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Apoquel is a veterinary product labeled to be used in dogs that helps reduce itchiness from allergies. Apoquel use in cats is taken into account extra-label but has been prescribed to cats battling relentless itch. So, is that this product right to your cat? In that case, what’s the most effective solution to go about using it? Proceed reading below to learn more about Apoquel and the way it’s getting used in feline companions.
What Is Apoquel?
Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate) is a drugs designed to assist reduce itch in dogs battling pruritus related to atopic dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. That is achieved through blocking certain aspects, or cytokines, which might be used to stimulate itch. Although an identical product has not yet been approved for cats, extra-label use of Apoquel has been tried in cats, especially cats who haven’t been capable of obtain relief from other interventions.
How Is Apoquel Given?
Apoquel is out there in several different-sized (3.6mg, 5.4mg, 16mg) tablets. The tablets are administered orally. The tablets needs to be stored at room temperature and kept out of direct light.
The labeled dosing recommends twice every day administration to dogs for not more than 14 days, then switching to once-daily dosing as maintenance. Similar recommendations have been utilized in cats, although the Merck Veterinary Manual suggests that the next dose could also be vital to attain similar blood concentrations to that of dogs.1
Apoquel may be given with or without food. If signs of gastrointestinal sensitivity are noted, the medication needs to be given with food. Within the event of an accidental overdose, contact your prescribing veterinarian.
What Happens if You Miss a Dose?
If a dose of medication is missed, give the medication when it’s remembered, and provides the following dose at the following appropriate time (either 12 or 24 hours later, depending in your dosing regimen). Don’t double the dose. For those who ever have questions, ensure to provide your vet a fast phone call for further advice.
Potential Side Effects of Apoquel
Safety studies haven’t been done evaluating using Apoquel in cats. The next unintended effects have been documented in canines, the species which the medication is meant for.
- Gastrointestinal signs
- Lethargy
- Increased water intake
- Pyoderma/skin infection
- Skin masses
- Mild leukopenia
- Demodex infection
- Increased aggression
- Increased appetite
Necessary Apoquel Considerations
Apoquel is simply labeled to be used in dogs; subsequently, use in cats is taken into account extra-label. Although there’s documentation of successful use of Apoquel in cats, there haven’t been thorough studies evaluating its use off-label. Minimal information is thought regarding safety, efficacy, and dosing in feline patients.
Apoquel mustn’t be utilized in dogs lower than 12 months of age, and it is probably going that similar rules could be adapted to cats. Moreover, this product mustn’t be utilized in pregnant animals. Its use needs to be avoided in animals with immune compromise or cancer. Even though it doesn’t appear that Apoquel causes cancer, it could allow cancer to change into less controlled.
Apoquel mustn’t be utilized in Demodex infections. Avoiding using the product could also be beneficial in animals with previous demodex infections.
Blood work needs to be done in patients who will likely be routinely utilizing this product.
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Ceaselessly Asked Questions
Why Is My Veterinarian Recommending Apoquel if Considered Off-Label Use?
Some veterinarians will recommend Apoquel to feline patients diagnosed with allergic skin disease who haven’t obtained relief through other standard modalities or who’re unable to take certain medications on account of concurrent conditions.
Does Apoquel Require a Written Prescription From My Veterinarian?
Yes, your veterinarian might want to offer you a prescription to receive this medication, because it isn’t available over-the-counter.
Is Apoquel a Steroid?
No, Apoquel isn’t a steroid. For a lot of, that’s the appeal. Several of the undesirable unintended effects related to steroid administration are avoided with Apoquel use in dogs.
In Summary
Apoquel use in cats is taken into account extra-label and several other vital parameters are unknown currently including safety. Careful consideration and discussion should occur between the prescriber and the patient’s owner prior to administration of the drug. Close monitoring and blood work needs to be performed to make sure the patient’s health stays stable during use. In cases where relief from itch has not been achieved through other avenues, Apoquel could also be an inexpensive option in cats.
Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock