Oclacitinib
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Oclacitinib for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail known about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine is used to help reduce itching.
Other common names
Apoquel
Uses of Oclacitinib for pets
Approved uses in animals
This medicine is used to help manage itching in dogs when the itching is linked to allergic skin problems.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use)
Your veterinarian may decide to use this medicine in other animals or for other purposes, such as:
- Itching in dogs that is caused by something other than allergies
- Allergy-related skin problems in cats
- Breathing trouble in cats (asthma)
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every animal. Before starting, talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving
- Any health problems your animal has now or has had before
- Any bad reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
Also tell your veterinarian if your animal is going to have allergy testing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in:
- Animals that have had an allergy to this medicine
- Animals younger than 1 year
- Animals that have serious infections
- Cats that have feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Animals that are pregnant, nursing, or being used for breeding
Use carefully in animals that have:
- Demodex mite problems (a type of mite infestation sometimes called demodicosis) or urinary tract infections
- Cancer
- Treatment with steroids or other medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight infection (immunosuppressive drugs)
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands right after you touch the tablets.
- If the medicine gets into the eyes by accident, rinse the eyes right away with water or saline for at least 15 minutes, then contact a physician.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
This medicine can be given with food or without food.
Side effects
Common (often improve over time)
Contact your veterinarian if these are severe, keep happening, or get worse:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Eating less than usual
- Low energy
Important signs to watch for
Contact your veterinarian if you notice these:
- More itching than before, red skin, swollen skin, sores that ooze or bleed, or rashes (these can be signs of a skin infection)
- Urinating often or with pain, low energy, coughing, or poor appetite (these can be signs of an infection)
- Any new lumps on the skin, or any existing skin lumps getting bigger
How will I know it's working?
Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
Your veterinarian will schedule checkups and may do follow-up tests and physical exams to see how well your animal is handling the medicine and how well it is helping.
Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, the medicine will no longer work within 24 hours.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
The chewable tablets are designed to taste appealing to animals. Store them securely and well out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it down a sink. This medicine is very harmful to aquatic life.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- At-home disposal: Mix the tablets with coffee grounds or kitty litter, put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions about Oclacitinib for pets?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”