CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Oclacitinib
Medication: Oclacitinib
Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient oclacitinib to treat itching associated with allergic or atopic dermatitis.
Key points:
• Immunosuppressant, can increase risk of infections.
• Do not give to dogs weighing less than 3 kg (6.6 lbs).
• Do not use in dogs less than 12 months of age.
• Do not use in dogs that have suppressed immune systems.
• Do not use in animals with demodicosis (mange), cancer, or severe infections.
• Not recommended for breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs.
• Dosage: twice daily for up to 14 days, then once daily.
Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Oclacitinib (OKE-la-SIT-i-nib).
Brand name
- Apoquel® (Europe & UK, US).
Class of medication
- Immunosuppressant.
- Synthetic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor.
- Antipruritic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
Storage
- Shelf life as packaged for sale: 2 years.
- Store below 25 °C.
- Any remaining half tablet should be placed back in the opened blister and stored in the original cardboard carton.
- Any remaining half tablets should be discarded after 3 days.
Why has my dog been prescribed oclacitinib?
Your veterinarian has prescribed oclacitinib to manage pruritus (itchy skin) associated with allergic dermatitis and to control atopic dermatitis (atopy).
How is the medication given?
Oclacitinib is given as an oral tablet according to your dog’s bodyweight, with or without food. The tablets are usually given twice daily for up to 14 days, then once daily.
Do not stop giving this medication without consulting your veterinarian as symptoms may abruptly return.
You should wash your hands immediately after handling this drug.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Oclacitinib (being an immunosuppressant) may increase the chances of your dog developing serious infections and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns or if you see any new skin masses or any existing masses become larger.
The following side-effects have also been reported:
- Gastrointestinal signs (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea)
- Cutaneous or subcutaneous lumps (including histiocytoma, lipoma)
- Skin infections (bacterial pyoderma, otitis, pododermatitis, yeast skin infections, papilloma (in laboratory study))
- Cystitis (bladder infection)
- Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
- Altered appetite – increased or decreased
- Aggression
- Lethargy (tiredness)
- Polydipsia (increased drinking).
Do not give this drug with other immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Oclacitinib is given twice daily for up to 14 days, then once daily as maintenance therapy. If needed long-term, administration will be based on an individual benefit-risk assessment.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused oclacitinib safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save oclacitinib for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Oclacitinib should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not give to dogs <12 months old
- Do not use in dogs weighing less than 3 kg (6.6 lbs) bodyweight
- Do not use in dogs with evidence of immune suppression
- Not recommended for breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on oclacitinib?
Your veterinarian will monitor your dog for signs of infections and neoplasia while on oclacitinib. Dogs on long-term treatment will require regular blood tests.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on oclacitinib can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- European Medicines Agency. European Public Assessment Report. Oclacitinib. Summary of Product Characteristics. Website: www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/apoquel-epar-product-information_en.pdf
- European Medicines Agency. European Public Assessment Report. Oclacitinib. Scientific Discussion (2013). Website: www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/apoquel-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf
US
- Zoetis. Apoquel Prescribing Information. Website: www2.zoetisus.com/content/pages/products/dogs/Apoquel-Resources/documents/apoquel_prescribing_information.pdf
- US Food and Drugs Administration. Oclacitinib. Freedom of Information Summary. Website: animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/902
- Zoetis Inc. Apoquel®. Website: www.apoquel.com
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.