Apoquel® vs Cytopoint® | Which One Is Safe, Cheap & Better

This article covers all the queries related to Apoquel and Cytopoint medication. If you want to know the benefits, side effects, dosage, interactions, cost/price, and the efficacy of these products, you’re in the right place.

Both remedies are effective and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Below are the similarities are differences between these treatments.

Similarities between Oclacitinib and Lokivetmab

• Both are used for treating atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions of the skin.
• Both formulations are manufactured by Zoetis Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Pfizer pharma.
• Both are used in animals i.e. dogs.
• Both treatments are FDA-approved.
• Both are effective and have good feedback.

Differences between Apoquel and Cytopoint

Apoquel Tablets and Cytopoint Injection Together

Is it possible to take oclacitinib with lokivetmab? The short answer is yes.

Oclacitinib doesn’t show any interactions with lokivetmab. A dog may take oclacitinib (Apoquel) medication who has recently taken a Cytopoint shot.

Cytopoint is a biological protein (monoclonal antibody), that is available in an injection form and indicated for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, pruritus, and other kinds of skin allergies in canines. 

Its effective and prominent treatment has been used worldwide and has millions of satisfied clients.

But sometimes, it doesn’t work and it sucks. Cytopoint contains lokivetmab, which works by blocking specific kinds of cytokines i.e. interleukin 31 (IL 31). 

Cytokines are the signals that a body’s immune system release when encountering antigens (foreign substances that could be bacteria, viruses, fungi, pathogens, allergens, etc). And these cytokines trigger irritations, itching, redness, or swelling/inflammation on the skin.

If the itching or swelling is due to JAK enzymes (another kind of cytokine), lokivetmab could fail in treating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or other skin allergies. 

In that case, Apoquel (oclacitinib) becomes the number one choice for treating allergies in pets. Apoquel works by inhibiting Jak-1 signals that cause itchy skin.

Cytopoint shot’s effect remains in the body for up to 2 months. But oclacitinib medication needs to be taken daily. It’s recommended to take one tablet of Apoquel® every 24 hours.

Apoquel is an immunosuppressant drug, although it is effective and starts showing results within the first four hours of administration. It has some serious adverse reactions that could be harmful to a few ones.

In short, a dog may take Apoquel® (oclacitinib) medicine while had taken Cytopoint shot or vice versa. But you must consider if it shows any kinds of side effects that could be vomiting, nausea, watery eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, dizziness, seizures, etc you must visit a veterinarian. 

Which is Safer Apoquel or Cytopoint

If you’re confused about the safety of these medicines. You must be aware of the following things;

Apoquel

Oclacitinib is an immune system suppressant medication and may not be suitable for long-term use. It’s because a compromised or weak immune system cannot fight against viral, bacterial, or fungal infections and the risks of infectious diseases are sky-high. Untreated infections may lead to fatal conditions i.e. cancer.

Cytopoint

It’s (lokivetmab) a biological protein (monoclonal antibody), advised to be used once in 2 months, and has a very low percentage of reported side effects. It doesn’t suppress the body’s defense system (immune system).

Conclusion: 

In terms of safety, Cytopoint® injection is a safer treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs rather than Apoquel® tablets. 

But in terms of efficacy, Apoquel medication is far more dominant over Cytopoint treatment.

Which is Cheaper Apoquel or Cytopoint

The price and cost comparison between these allergic treatments is not huge. Oclacitinib is available in three potencies that are 3.6mg, 5.4mg, and 16mg, respectively. 

Each tablet may cost you between 2-3 USD. The recommended dose is one tablet daily, so for thirty days, it may cost you between 40 to 60 USD.

Cytopoint injection comes in four (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, and 40mg) strengths. The dosage of lokivetmab shot depends on the size (body weight) of the pet. Roughly one dose may cost you between 60 to 140 USD (rate may differ according to your geography). One shot of Cytopoint is considered enough for four (04) to eight (08) weeks. 

Apoquel and Cytopoint Side effects

Apoquel 

It may cause the following adverse reactions;

• dizziness
• seizures
• infection
• fever
• digestive disorders (including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, GERD, diarrhea, constipation, etc)
• may worsen the pre-existing condition
• lethargy
• loss of appetite (a condition also known as “anorexia”)
• continual barking
• frequent urination
• sleepiness

Cytopoint

Apoquel and Cytopoint Not Working

Both treatments are highly effective and treat skin allergies, dermatitis, pruritus, atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, etc in pets very efficiently.

But it’s possible that they are not working for your furry friend (exceptional case).

Sometimes, treating a pet disease with these remedies could be self tiring. So what to do if Apoquel and Cytopoint fail?

The easy, long-lasting treatment for a pet allergy is to diagnose the root cause behinds it. A dog may be allergic to food (for example beef), material, pollen, soap, or anything else.

Figuring out the main cause of allergy is the best way of eliminating that disease on a permanent basis.