Apoquel Film-Coated and Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Apoquel Tablets for Dogs

Now available in a convenient 20-tablet pack size, offering a smaller pack option for short treatment courses or where a lower upfront cost is preferred.

Apoquel Tablets are a prescription-only veterinary medicine used for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and the control of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Apoquel contains oclacitinib, a targeted immunomodulatory medication licensed for use in dogs. It is commonly prescribed to help reduce itching and inflammation associated with allergic skin disease.

This product is a prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-V) and can only be supplied against a valid veterinary prescription.

What Apoquel is used for

Apoquel is used to control itching and inflammation associated with allergic skin disease in dogs.

Dogs with allergic dermatitis often experience persistent scratching, licking or chewing of the skin. Over time this can lead to hair loss, skin irritation and secondary infections.

Apoquel helps control the underlying inflammatory signalling that drives itching, allowing the skin to settle and helping improve the dog’s comfort and quality of life.

The medication may be used for both short-term relief of itching and long-term management of chronic allergic skin disease as directed by a veterinary surgeon.

How Apoquel works

Oclacitinib works by selectively inhibiting enzymes known as Janus kinases (JAKs). These enzymes are involved in the signalling pathways that trigger itch and inflammation.

By blocking specific cytokine signalling pathways associated with allergic inflammation, Apoquel helps interrupt the itch cycle and reduce inflammation in the skin.

This targeted mechanism allows the medication to control itching associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

Administration

Apoquel tablets are usually administered twice daily for an initial treatment period before moving to a once-daily maintenance dose, although the exact dosing schedule will be determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon.

The tablets may be given directly or with food.

Tablets may be supplied either as individual tablets dispensed from original manufacturer packaging or as full sealed manufacturer packs, depending on the option selected and the veterinary prescription.

Monitoring during treatment

Dogs receiving treatment for allergic skin disease should be monitored by a veterinary surgeon to assess response to treatment and manage any underlying causes of itching.

Management of allergic dermatitis often involves multiple approaches including parasite control, dietary trials and treatment of secondary infections.

Important information

Apoquel should only be used under veterinary supervision and supplied against a valid veterinary prescription.

The dose, frequency and duration of treatment are determined by the prescribing veterinary surgeon based on the dog’s body weight and clinical condition.

Further information including contraindications, warnings and potential side effects can be found in the product data sheet available here.

To learn more about the management and treatment of itchy skin in dogs, read our guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Apoquel used for in dogs?

Apoquel is used to control itching and inflammation associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in dogs.

How quickly does Apoquel work?

Many dogs experience a reduction in itching relatively quickly after starting treatment, although response times may vary between individual patients.

Can Apoquel be used long term?

Some dogs require long-term treatment to control allergic skin disease. Your veterinary surgeon will advise on the most appropriate treatment plan for your dog.

Does Apoquel cure allergies?

Apoquel does not cure allergies but helps control the itching and inflammation associated with allergic skin disease.

Why does my dog still need veterinary monitoring?

Allergic skin disease can have multiple underlying causes. Veterinary monitoring helps ensure the condition is managed appropriately and that any secondary infections are treated.