Apoquel Uses

Indicated for the treatment of dermatitis (swelling on the skin), atopic dermatitis (Eczema: a severe & chronic skin disorder), contact dermatitis, hives, Psoriasis, etc.

It can be used in treating food allergies, environmental allergies, contact allergies, and seasonal allergies.

Apoquel starts working (showing results) within the first 4 hours of intake and reduces itching, skin irritations, redness, swelling, or inflammation on the skin.

It works by inhibiting the selective cytokines (small proteins) that are released by the immune system against allergens. Apoquel blocks (inhibits) the action of Janus Kinase 1 or JAK-1 cytokines and relieves the symptoms of skin allergies in pets.

Read:   How does Apoquel Work in Dogs?

Apoquel Use in Dogs

Oclacitinib maleate is FDA-approved to treat skin allergic disorders in dogs. It effectively relieves the symptoms of dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Apoquel is indicated for the treatment of red, swollen, itchy, irritating, scaly, dry, and cracked skin. It relieves the symptoms of eczema in dogs and is safe to use for the long term.

Apoquel Use in Cats

Oclacitinib is not recommended to use in cats. Although, many veterinarians prescribe it as an off-label or extra-label drug.

It has been found highly effective in treating allergic skin disorders in canines.

But it should never be used in cats that are below 12 months or one year old. It suppresses the immune system and may increase the chances of getting an infection.

Apoquel Use in Horses

It is not an FDA-approved drug to use in horses. But many veterinarians suggest it for treating severe itch in horses.

Oclacitinib maleate (brand: Apoquel) can treat certain allergic conditions in horses, i.e. atopic dermatitis, dermatitis, allergies caused by insect bites, contact allergies, food, or environmental allergies, etc.

It doesn’t treat allergies but helps to relieve the symptoms (redness, swelling, itching). Proper diagnosis, finding the root cause of allergy in horses, is the only (permanent) solution to treat allergies in horses.

Apoquel Use in Humans

Humans should not take dog (pet) medicines because most veterinary drugs are specifically designed for animals.

In the case of Oclacitinib, you are not allowed to take it because it may cause some serious side effects. By using Apoquel, you may feel digestive disorders, i.e. gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), vomiting, nausea, flatulence, etc.

Also, there are no proven benefits of Apoquel tablets for humans. This medication is just approved to treat certain allergic disorders in dogs.

What Types of Allergies Apoquel Treat in Dogs?

Apoquel contains the active ingredient, “Oclacitinib maleate” which is an immunosuppressant drug that works by suppressing the defense system.

It relieves redness, swelling, itchiness, skin irritations, hives, dryness, and inflammation on the skin.

It can treat allergies caused by;

• Foods  (wheat, beef, chicken, cheese, fish, turkey, carrot, corn, eggs, grain, bread, dairy products)
• Environment (dust, dirt, smoke, smog, grass)
• Insect Bites (flea, mites, tickles, bees, mosquitoes, lice)
• Contact (soaps, shampoo, lotion, harness)
• Pollen (plants)
• Respiratory (it may cause swelling of the lungs and breathing problems)
• Seasonal changes (allergic rhinitis, swelling in the nose, sneezing, runny nose)
• Medicine (antibiotics and other medications can cause allergies)

Signs and Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

Your dog is suffering from an allergic disorder if it has the following symptoms;

• Redness
• Swelling or inflammation on the skin
• Itchiness (or itchy skin)
• Dry, scaly, and cracked skin
• Bumps or blisters
• Hives
• Crusts on the dermis
• Skin irritations
• Rashes
• Other signs may include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, etc

Anyhow, Oclacitinib medication is used to treat allergic skin disorders in dogs. But as an immunosuppressant drug, it can be used for purposes that are not described in this piece of article. You may consult your pet’s doctor for more details.

Apoquel Use with NSAIDs

Oclacitinib maleate medication can be used with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) with the recommendation of a veterinarian.

This medication treats allergic disorders in dogs while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve the symptoms of pain and swelling (inflammation).

Apoquel Use as Needed

This medicine has a short half-life which means the dose could be adjusted or be taken as needed.

Apoquel Use with Steroids

This is not recommended to take oclacitinib (immune system suppressant) drug in combination with steroids, i.e. prednisolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, etc.

But a veterinarian may decide whether it is beneficial or not. A vet may prescribe it with steroids if the advantages outweigh the risks associated with steroids.

Summary

The above article emphasizes the importance of Oclacitinib maleate in treating itchy skin in dogs. Apoquel is used to treat certain allergic disorders in dogs. It can treat dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, hives, and other skin diseases that cause redness, swelling (inflammation), itchiness, irritations, bumps, dryness, blisters, crusts, and scales on the skin.