Apoquel is considered safe and highly effective for short-term use (up to 14 days) to control itching, often acting within 4 hours. It is commonly used for acute allergic flares, typically prescribed twice daily for the first two weeks, and can be used on an as-needed basis.

Can Apoquel be given as needed?

Contrary to what some pet parents are told by other veterinarians, the Apoquel can be stopped and started so it can be given on an as-needed basis. It does not need to be given continuously.

Can Apoquel be stopped abruptly?

The bad news-after abrupt withdrawal of Apoquel, dogs demonstrate pruritus that is more intense than before they started the drug. This phenomenon has been studied in mice2 and it appears that the intensified pruritus is due to an increase in pruritogenic cytokines and fast peripheral sensitization, Dr. Schick says.

Does Apoquel help hives?

Apoquel is not very effective for itching and hives due to a bee sting. Do you have any Benadryl?

How long should a dog be on Apoquel?

Apoquel is typically started as a loading dose: twice daily for up to 14 days, then reduced to a maintenance dose of once daily or as needed, based on your veterinarian's guidance to find the lowest effective dose for long-term management. While some sources suggest it's not meant for long-term use, many dogs use it safely for life, often combined with other therapies, as directed by a vet who monitors for potential immune suppression or side effects, with treatment often stopping once the underlying allergy cause is managed or for seasonal use. 

Concerning Side Effects of Apoquel in Dogs

Why do vets recommend Apoquel?

Veterinary dermatologists recommend Apoquel when: Your dog has moderate to severe itching caused by allergies. Other treatments such as fatty acid supplements or shampoos are insufficient. Quick relief is needed to break the itch-scratch cycle and prevent secondary infections.

Can Apoquel be used for seasonal allergies?

And if seasonal allergies become a year-round condition, they can wreak havoc on your pup's skin. Unfortunately, you can't always avoid the allergens that affect your dog. But newer medications, such as Apoquel (oclacitinib), can offer relief for dogs who have environmental allergies.

Why is my dog still itchy on Apoquel?

We often see pet's with allergies who take anti-itch medications like Cytopoint, Apoquel, steroids and Atopica, but their itching has not resolved or has gotten worse. Frequently, this is due to a secondary infection caused by an underlying disease.

Why is Apoquel so expensive?

Apoquel is pricey due to its patented formulation and effectiveness in targeting allergy symptoms in dogs.

What if I stop giving my dog Apoquel?

Apoquel is used to manage allergic reactions by suppressing certain chemical signals that cause itching and inflammation. Stopping this medication suddenly might mean these symptoms could return, diminishing your pet's comfort and quality of life.

Do dogs build up a tolerance to Apoquel?

While there is no strong evidence to suggest dogs build a tolerance to Apoquel, changes in your dog's environment or health may influence the medication's effectiveness.

Is Zyrtec better than Apoquel?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is safer than Apoquel (oclacitinib) for general use in humans, as Apoquel is specifically approved for dogs and lacks human safety data, while Zyrtec has a well-established human safety profile with minimal sedative effects.

Can Apoquel cause behavioral changes?

Can cause side effects such as excessive drinking and urinating, increased appetite,5 and behavior changes, such as increased anxiety, even when used short term. In a 5-year safety review, the most common individual side effects reported with Apoquel were vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and bloodwork changes.

Is Apoquel temporary?

Yes, you can give your dog Apoquel to manage allergic dermatitis, both short-term and long-term.

What are the cons of Apoquel for dogs?

Apoquel side effects listed for dogs in the product insert include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, SQ or dermal masses (unspecified), decreased leukocytes, decreased globulins, and increased cholesterol and lipase.

How much does Apoquel typically cost?

Apoquel's price tag hovers around $2.50 per pill and, considering it's usually prescribed to be given daily, you're looking at around $900 a year for a chronic condition.

Why do you need gloves to handle Apoquel?

The reason for the instruction to "wear gloves or wash hands after handling" is due to its potential effects on the immune system. In humans, handling medication like Apoquel without washing hands can lead to unwanted absorption through the skin, which is why it's important to follow these precautions.

What is the success rate of Apoquel?

In a clinical trial of dogs with atopic dermatitis, treatment success for pruritus occurred in a significantly greater percentage of the dogs treated with APOQUEL (66 percent) vs. (4 percent) of dogs treated with placebo (p<0.0001).

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