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This guide is general education for pet owners. If your pet has urgent symptoms, possible poisoning, injury, breathing trouble, collapse, severe pain, or sudden decline, contact a licensed veterinarian or local emergency service.
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Apoquel (Oclacitinib) for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects & Triage
Clinical Classification & Indications
- Drug Class: Janus Kinase (JAK-1 and JAK-3) Inhibitor
- Approved Uses: Control of pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.
Mechanism of Action (Pharmacodynamics)
Selectively inhibits Janus kinase (JAK-1 and JAK-3) enzymes, blocking the signal transduction of pro-inflammatory and pruritogenic cytokines (especially IL-31) that trigger the itch sensation in the brain.
Adverse Reactions & Side Effect Profile
Common / Expected Side Effects
Mild transient vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite. Long-term: increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections (demodicosis, papillomas, pneumonia, cystitis).
Emergency Red Flag Reactions
Severe lethargy, persistent high fever, subcutaneous masses, rapidly spreading skin lesions, or severe vomiting indicating systemic infection or neoplasia exacerbation.
Clinical Contraindications & Interactions
- Do Not Use In: Dogs under 12 months of age, dogs with serious systemic infections, or dogs with a history of malignant neoplasia (cancer). Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Strict Rule S1 Veterinary Prescription Directive
VETERINARY DIRECTIVE: Apoquel is a strict prescription-only medication. Never adjust dosages or skip the mandatory loading-to-maintenance taper without explicit instructions from your veterinarian. Routine baseline hematology (CBC/Chem) is recommended every 6 to 12 months. Never administer human pharmaceutical products or adjust dosages without direct examination and bloodwork by a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
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