So, pet owners must be careful and vigilant if their pet’s vet prescribes OCLACITINIB MALEATE medication to their pet while their pet is suffering from liver disease. It happens in very rare cases but some veterinarians don’t bother to take liver (blood) tests before prescribing this drug to a dog which may result in fatal health conditions.

What is the Main Ingredient in Apoquel?

The main ingredient in the Apoquel pill is the “Oclacitinib maleate“. It is an immune system suppressant or modulator drug that is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved medication for itchy skin in dogs. It treats atopic dermatitis and other skin allergy disorders in dogs.

Can Apoquel be Used with Antihistamines?

Only a veterinarian may decide whether the risks overweight the benefits of using Apoquel medication with antihistamine drugs.

Nevertheless, Oclacitinib maleate (brand name: Apoquel) doesn’t interact with antihistamine drugs and could be used along with diphenhydramine, cetirizine, ebastine, and other drugs.

In case of adverse reactions, you must revisit your pet’s clinic and consult about your pet’s condition. Using Apoquel with antihistamines is safe but in fewer (rare) cases it may show side effects like vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, increase in thirst, itchiness, swelling, etc.

Is Apoquel an Immunosuppressant Drug?

Yes, Apoquel tablets contain the active ingredient, “oclacitinib maleate” which is an immune system suppressant drug. It works by suppressing the immune system’s response against allergens.

Is Apoquel Toxic to Humans?

Yes, Apoquel may cause toxicity in humans. Humans should avoid drugs that are specifically approved to treat certain disorders in dogs. Oclacitinib maleate is the drug that is FDA approved to treat allergies in dogs and should never be used in humans as it may cause vision problems.

What Happens If a Human Takes Apoquel?

Apoquel may cause side effects in humans, i.e. blurred vision, certain digestive system disorders (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, GERD, ulcers, abdominal cramps or pain, etc), itching, swelling, dizziness, sleepiness, bacterial infection, headache, lethargy, anorexia, etc.

Oclacinitb maleate is only useful for dogs and no clinical studies have been performed on the advantages or disadvantages of Apoquel for humans. Must consult a doctor before taking any kinds of drugs otherwise you may face fatal outcomes.

Does Apoquel Make Dogs Urinate More?

Apoquel contains an immune system modulator or suppressant drug and is used to relieve the symptoms of allergies in dogs. It doesn’t belong to diuretics (like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, etc) that cause increased urination and help to treat blood pressure and other certain disorders including edema (fluid retention) disorder.

If you see increased urination in your pet since the consumption of Apoquel, you may consider re-visiting your pet’s clinic and may consult the condition as it could be a side effect that may lead to other disorders or may damage your pet’s kidneys.

Can Apoquel Make Dog Aggressive?

It is an allergy medicine and has nothing to do with the psychology of your dog. The short answer is, NO. Apoquel doesn’t make your dog aggressive (directly) but the side effects it has for dogs may initiate the aggressive behavior of your dog.

Is Apoquel for Dogs a Steroid?

No, Apoquel doesn’t belong to steroids, i.e. prednisone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, hydrocortisone, etc. This is an immunosuppressant drug that works on specific cytokines that are released by the immune system and relieve the signs and indications of allergies in dogs.

Unlike, steroids it has fewer side effects and can be used in long term.

Apoquel Under 12 Months – Myth

Probably, you have heard that using Apoquel medication for dogs under one year old is harmful and dangerous. And now you’re thinking, “Can I Use Apoquel medicine for my Dog under 12 months?“.

The short and quick answer to this question is, No. You shouldn’t use this immune system suppressant drug in dogs that have compromised or weak immunity. It works by suppressing the defense system of a living body and may increase the risks of serious complications if used in puppies (dogs under one year old) or old dogs.

Can You Stop Apoquel Suddenly?

Yes, unlike other drugs (like prednisone, betamethasone, etc) it can be stopped suddenly and you don’t need to wean off Apoquel in dogs. Symptoms reoccur after stopping Apoquel for dogs. Must consult with your pet’s doctor before pulling off Oclacitinib medication in your furry friend.

Does Apoquel Make Dogs Constipated?

Yes, this is possible. The side effects of Apoquel pills may include constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), ulcers, abdominal pain or cramps, etc. Apoquel rarely causes these kinds of adverse reactions in dogs and is highly recommended (and safe) prescription medicine for dogs. It treats swelling, itching, redness, rashes, hives, etc. really well and rarely causes side effects like Constipation.

Does Apoquel Kill Fleas?

NO! Apoquel doesn’t kill fleas. However, it could be used to treat swelling, inflammation, itching, irritations, redness, rashes on the skin, etc.

Does Apoquel Help with Sneezing?

Apoquel is a well-known and recommended treatment for certain skin disorders in dogs that are difficult to treat with antihistamines and steroids (for the long run). It works on specific cytokines (the immune system signals) that cause itching, swelling, redness, rashes, etc on the dermis and is indicated for atopic dermatitis (eczema).

The short answer to this question is, Not effectively. Apoquel is not indicated for the treatment of Sneezing in dogs.

Benadryl (generic name: Diphenhydramine) is the best available antihistamine treatment for sneezing in dogs. It’s available OTC (over the counter) without a vet prescription.

Is Apoquel Just for Dogs?

Yes, it is FDA approved only to relieve the allergy symptoms including itching, skin irritations, rashes, redness, swelling or inflammation, hives, etc. in dogs.

Humans, cats, and other living organisms are not allowed to take this drug. Some vets use this drug in felines (in controlled doses) to treat certain skin disorders as an extra-label medicine. But there are zero to no clinical studies that have been performed on the efficacy and outcomes of using Apoquel medication in cats. So the chances of side effects are huge and could be fatal (in some cases).

Does Apoquel Help with Itchy Ears?

Yes, Apoquel may help to reduce the itchiness of your dog’s ears, paws, and other parts of the body as it works on cytokines released by the body’s immune system and reduces swelling (inflammation), skin irritations, discomfort, redness, etc.

Your dog’s itchy ears could be an alarming sign of other health issues. Apoquel may suppress the symptoms but it’s a wise idea to diagnose the root cause (carefully) which may be an infection, dryness, wax, etc. Visit a pet’s clinic along with your furry pale and consult the condition with a professional medical physician.

Is Apoquel an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)?

A big NO. Apoquel doesn’t belong to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is an immune system modulator drug and is specifically formulated to treat itchy skin in dogs. It doesn’t treat pain but may reduce skin swelling or inflammation by inhibiting the JAK (Janus Kinase) 1 & 2.

Where Is Apoquel Manufactured?

The Apoquel manufacturer is Zoetis pharma which has a bunch of manufacturing plants in the United States of America and in Europe. Manufacturing information is labeled on the packing and you may easily locate where the product (Apoquel pills) has been manufactured.

How Is Apoquel Metabolized?

Apoquel metabolites in the liver and excretes from the body by the liver & kidneys. It has a specific metabolic pathway P450 in the body.

Apoquel Missed Dose – Myth

What should you do if you forgot to give your dog Apoquel? or Should You Give Apoquel Twice If you forgot your dog’s Apoquel dose? So these are the common questions that arise in your mind if your pet has missed the Apoquel dose.

No worries, you don’t need to give your pet Apoquel dose twice or double if your furry pale has missed the Apoquel dose. If you give the missed dose with a regular dose, it will be considered as a double dose which may cause side effects and may disturb your pet’s digestive system.

Apoquel Liquid

It is only available in oral tablet form and not recommended for puppies or dogs under one year (12 months) old. Also, no topical applications of Apoquel (creams, ointments, lotion, spray) are available to treat itchy skin in dogs.

Apoquel is available in 3.6mg, 5.4mg, and 16mg oral tablets form. It does treat signs and symptoms of allergies in dogs well and is highly recommended by veterinarians.

Apoquel Lawsuit

If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against Zoetis pharmaceuticals regarding their Product APOQUEL, you must read this section of the article. Some folks thought the Oclacitinib maleate may cause serious complications or diseases in their pets which is not TRUE.

Oclacitinib maleate, the active ingredient in Apoquel medication, doesn’t cause Cancer, Liver damage, Kidney disorder, UTIs, Respiratory tract problems, or Upset digestive system in dogs. But it may increase the worsen these conditions. That means if your dog has already a kidney, liver, or cancer disorder Apoquel Medication may increase the intensity of these disorders and may reduce the lifespan of your pet.

It’s completely a veterinarian’s responsibility to do his homework completely before prescribing this medication to a dog. Un-necessary or contra-indicated usage of this medicine may result in life-threatening or fatal outcomes.