What is Apoquel mechanism of action?
Apoquel® is the brand name of oclacitinib, an FDA approved immune suppressant drug in the Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor class made by Zoetis. This drug inhibits primarily JAK-1 and -3 signaling that would normally occur when a cytokine binds to a receptor on the surface of the cell.
What are the negative side effects of Apoquel?
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.
Does Apoquel have any drug interactions?
Apoquel® is safe to use along with antibiotics, antifungals, anti-arthritis drugs, allergy shots or drops, any flea/tick/heartworm preventive, thyroid supplements, and seizure medications.
Does Apoquel make dogs angry?
New and innovative drugs can cause undesired behaviour changes too; oclacitinib (Apoquel; Zoetis), used to control pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis, has been found to be associated with increased aggression (Cosgrove and others 2013).
Is Apoquel a JAK inhibitor?
Oclacitinib (APOQUEL®; Zoetis Inc., Florham Park, NJ, USA) is a novel JAK inhibitor that has recently been approved in the United States and European Union for the control or treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and the control or treatment of AD in dogs at least 12 months of age.
How does Apoquel work in dogs?
Apoquel works by inhibiting chemicals in your dog’s body called “cytokines.” Basically, when dogs are allergic to something or are suffering from seasonal allergies, cytokine chemicals in the body create inflammation and itching around the area of concern.
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.
How bad is Apoquel for 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.
What do JAK inhibitors do?
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your doctor may suggest Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors to help ease your joint pain and swelling. These drugs tamp down your overactive immune system — the body’s defense against germs — to help prevent damage to your joints.
Is Benadryl better than Apoquel for dogs?
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.