Apoquel for Dogs (Oclacitinib) – Allergy & Itch Relief Tablets | 5.4mg & 16mg | 20 Tablets

Apoquel for Dogs – Oclacitinib Tablets for Allergy Itch Relief

Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate) is a prescription allergy medication for dogs manufactured by Zoetis. It is the #1 prescribed oral medication for allergic itch in dogs, offering fast, targeted relief from itching, scratching, licking, and chewing caused by allergic and atopic dermatitis.

Unlike steroids, antihistamines, or cyclosporine, Apoquel works through a completely different mechanism — it is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that blocks the specific cellular proteins responsible for triggering the itch and inflammation cycle. This means effective relief with minimal impact on your dog’s overall immune function.

Available in 5.4mg and 16mg tablet strengths to suit different dog sizes.

How Apoquel Works

Apoquel’s active ingredient, oclacitinib, selectively inhibits JAK1 and JAK3 enzymes, which are involved in transmitting itch and inflammation signals from cytokines like IL-31, IL-4, and IL-13. By blocking these pathways at the source, Apoquel:

• Begins relieving itch within 4 hours of administration
• Effectively controls allergic itch within 24 hours
• Reduces inflammation and skin redness associated with allergic reactions
• Works without the broad immunosuppression associated with steroids

What Does Apoquel Treat?

Apoquel is indicated for the control of pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and the control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. This includes:

• Atopic dermatitis — environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, mould)
• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Food allergy-related itching
• Contact allergies
• Seasonal allergies causing excessive scratching, licking, or chewing

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dose is 0.4 to 0.6 mg oclacitinib per kg body weight.

Initial treatment (loading phase): Administer the dose twice daily for up to 14 days.

Maintenance therapy: After the initial period, reduce to once daily. Apoquel can be given with or without food.

Apoquel Dosage Chart by Dog Weight

Tablets are scored and can be split for accurate dosing. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Key Benefits of Apoquel

• Fast-acting: Starts working within 4 hours — significantly faster than cyclosporine (which can take 4–6 weeks)
• Not a steroid: No steroid-related side effects like increased thirst, urination, weight gain, or muscle wasting
• Safe for long-term use: Approved for both short-term flare-up treatment and long-term maintenance therapy
• Can be used alongside other medications: Compatible with NSAIDs, vaccines, parasiticides, antibiotics, and allergen-specific immunotherapy
• No tapering required: Can be stopped without gradual dose reduction
• Prescribed to over 14 million dogs worldwide

Apoquel vs Other Allergy Treatments

Side Effects

Apoquel is generally well tolerated. Side effects reported in clinical trials include:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea (most common, usually mild and transient)
• Decreased appetite / anorexia
• Lethargy
• New cutaneous or subcutaneous lumps
• Increased susceptibility to infections, including demodicosis (demodex mange)
• Potential to exacerbate pre-existing neoplastic (cancerous) conditions

Most side effects resolve spontaneously with continued dosing. Dogs on long-term Apoquel should be monitored regularly by a veterinarian for infections and skin changes.

Contraindications and Warnings

• Do not use in dogs under 12 months of age
• Do not use in dogs with serious infections
• Not evaluated in combination with corticosteroids, cyclosporine, or other systemic immunosuppressive agents
• Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs
• Monitor dogs for development of infections, demodicosis, and neoplasia

Storage

Store at room temperature (15–25°C). Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does Apoquel work?
Apoquel begins relieving itch within 4 hours and provides effective itch control within 24 hours. This makes it one of the fastest-acting oral allergy medications available for dogs.

Can Apoquel be used long-term?
Yes. Apoquel is approved for both short-term treatment of allergy flare-ups and long-term daily maintenance therapy. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended for dogs on long-term treatment.

Is Apoquel a steroid?
No. Apoquel is a JAK inhibitor, not a steroid. It does not cause the side effects commonly associated with steroids such as increased thirst, excessive urination, or weight gain.

Can I give Apoquel with other medications?
Yes. Apoquel can be safely used alongside NSAIDs, parasiticides, antibiotics, vaccines, and allergen-specific immunotherapy. However, it has not been evaluated with corticosteroids or cyclosporine.

What’s the difference between 5.4mg and 16mg?
The active ingredient (oclacitinib) is the same. The strength simply determines which tablet to use based on your dog’s weight. Dogs under ~13.5kg typically use 5.4mg tablets, while larger dogs use 16mg tablets. See the dosage chart above.

Does Apoquel cure allergies?
No. Apoquel controls the symptoms (itch, inflammation) but does not cure the underlying allergy. It is used as ongoing management alongside identifying and reducing allergen exposure where possible.

What if I miss a dose?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, then resume the regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.