Apoquel medication is famous for treating certain skin disorders, i.e. itching, irritations, dermatitis, rashes, inflammation or swelling, redness, and other signs of allergies in dogs.
This is an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved (veterinary) medicine that contains the active substance, “Oclacitinib maleate” which belongs to immune system modulator drugs.
In the followingarticle, I am going to answer your questions:
- Is Apoquel Safe for Humans?
- Does Apoquel cause side effects in humans?
Contents
What exactly is Apoquel?
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication veterinarians use to treat itching and inflammation that are caused by allergic skin-conditions in dogs, such as atopic dermatitis.
Apoquel is a Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor – which means it blocks the activity of some specific proteins that are called “JAKs” Thes JAKs are involved in the inflammation process – by blocking these proteins, Apoquel reduces the symptoms of itching and inflammation associated with allergic skin conditions.
Apoquel is available in tablet form and is usually administered twice a day – with or without some dog food. The dosage and the length of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition – and the response to this medication.
It’s also very important to Note: Apoquel should only be used under the guidance of your veterinarian and should not be used in dogs with certain medical conditions such as certain types of infections – or if a dog is pregnant or lactating.
Apoquel is not a cure for the underlying allergy of your Dog – it is only a symptomatic treatment that can provide relief from itching. If you want to find out more information about your Dog`s allergy, or you have any other concern about your dog’s health – you should consult with your veterinarian.
Read also: Does Apoquel Make Dogs Sleepy? Side Effects Of Oclacitinib!
Can Humans take Apoquel?
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication that is specifically approved for use in dogs, it is not approved for use in Humans. The Safety and the Efficacy of Apoquel has never been really evaluated in humans, so Apoquel is not recommended for the use in people!
The Answer to this Question is defintly NO – Apoquel is NOT suitable for human use?
It is not safe for human consumption, and taking any medication that is not prescribed for you by a medical professional can be dangerous and may have serious side effects. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic condition.
No qualfied studies have been performed on Apoquel 16mg tablets for humans yet – so it is not recommended for humans to take oclacitinib maleate.
Possible Side Effects of Apoquel on Humans
As I already mentioned, no clinical studies of quality have been taken in humans for Apoquel. Using this immune system modulator drug in humans can even show up life-threatening and fatal consequences.
Some of the potential effects in humans are:
- Upset stomach
- Digestive system disorders
- Gas, bloating, or flatulence
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Ulcers in the esophagus, intestines, and stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting & nausea
- Constipation
- Increased risks of bacterial/fungal/viral infections
- Loss of appetite and increase in thirst
- Itching, skin irritations, and rashes
- Redness, swelling, or inflammation
- Hives and hair loss
Apoquel medication suppresses the defense system of a body and reduces white blood cells. It may cause unwanted consequences including cancer. According to the FDA, Apoquel is not approved for humans so the Usage of Apoquel is NOT safe for humans to use?
Apoquel Equivalents for Humans
Cyclosporin is the best example of an immune system suppressant drug in humans. However, Sandimum Neoral (cyclosporin) medication is not recommended by the doctor for treating allergies or other skin disorders.
In this section, I am going to share the list of best medicines or Apoquel alternatives for treating the symptoms of allergies.
Cetirizine
It is an antihistamine drug that is used for the treatment of all kinds of allergic reactions in humans. It can be used to relieve the signs or symptoms of seasonal allergies (runny or water nose, sore throat, itching, cold, & flu, etc), dermatitis (inflammation or swelling on the skin), etc.
The recommended dose of Cetirizine drug in humans is 10mg once daily. It’s available At the counter (OTC) without a veterinarian prescription while you need a valid prescription for buying Apoquel for pets.
Ebastine
Another best treatment for human allergies and the symptoms of allergic reactions includes swelling (or inflammation) on the skin, rashes, redness, itching, irritations on the skin, feet, ears, etc.
It’s available in two different strengths, i.e. 10mg, 20mg, respectively. However, you don’t need a prescription for buying this medicine. It’s a highly effective second-generation antihistamine drug.
Hydroxyzine
This is an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved drug used for treating all kinds of adverse reactions in humans.
It treats swelling or inflammation on the skin, skin irritations, itching, breathing difficulty, and other symptoms of allergies in humans. Consult your doctor before taking any kind of medicine.
This article is just for information purposes only. We don’t recommend or suggest any kinds of drugs (medications). Unnecessary use of antibiotics/antiviral/antifungal/or anti-allergy drugs may cause fatal consequences.
Summary:
Apoquel is intended solely for use in dogs and is NOT safe for humans to use! Keep Apoquel, as well as all other drugs, out of the reach of children.
After handling Apoquel tablets – it is important to wash your hands immediately. If the medication accidentally comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
In the event of accidental ingestion, it’s crucial to seek medical attention without delay!
You may like to read: Can garlic kill a dog?
3 Comments
Anonymous · December 10, 2022 at 6:34 am
I
I aaccidentally took one half of apoquel 5.4 tablet. What will happen to me?
Dave Farmer · April 28, 2023 at 3:51 am
I accidentally took a full pill (16mg) of Apoquel. What will happen to me?
Anonymous · December 10, 2022 at 6:34 am
I accidentally took one half ofApoquel 5.4 tablet. What happens to me?