Apoquel is a veterinary product labeled for use in dogs that helps reduce itching from allergies. The use of apoquel in cats is considered extra-label but it is prescribed to cats suffering from persistent itching. So, is this product right for your cat? If so, what is the best way to use it? Continue reading below to learn more about Apoquel and how it is used in companion cats.
What is Apoquel?
Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate) is a medication designed to help reduce itching in dogs suffering from pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. This is achieved by blocking certain factors, or cytokines, that are used to stimulate the itch. Although a similar product has not yet been approved for cats, the extra-label use of Apoquel has been tested in cats, especially in cats that are not getting relief from other interventions.
How is Apoquel Given?
Apoquel is available in several different sizes (3.6mg, 5.4mg, 16mg) tablets. Tablets are administered orally. Tablets should be stored at room temperature and kept out of direct light.
Labeled dosing recommends twice-daily administration to dogs for no more than 14 days, then switch to once-daily dosing as maintenance. Similar recommendations are used in cats, although the Merck Veterinary Manual suggests that a higher dose may be needed to achieve similar blood concentrations in dogs.1
Apoquel can be given with or without food. If signs of gastrointestinal sensitivity are noted, the drug should be administered with food. In the event of an accidental overdose, contact your prescribing veterinarian.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose?
If a dose of medication is missed, administer the medication when it is remembered, and administer the next dose at the next appropriate time (either 12 or 24 hours later, depending on your dosing regimen). Do not double the dose. If you ever have questions, be sure to give your vet a quick phone call for further advice.
Potential Side Effects of Apoquel
Safety studies have not been performed evaluating the use of Apoquel in cats. The following side effects have been recorded in dogs, the species for which the drug is intended.
- Gastrointestinal signs
- Dizziness
- Increased water use
- Pyoderma/skin infection
- Skin masses
- Mild leukopenia
- Demodex infection
- Increased aggression
- Increased appetite
Important Considerations of Apoquel
Apoquel is only labeled for use in dogs; therefore, use in cats is considered extra-label. Although there is documentation of successful use of Apoquel in cats, there are no thorough studies examining its off-label use. Little information is known about safety, efficacy, and dosing in feline patients.
Apoquel should not be used in dogs under 12 months of age, and similar rules are likely to apply to cats. In addition, this product should not be used in pregnant animals. Its use should be avoided in animals with immune compromise or cancer. Although Apoquel does not appear to cause cancer, it may allow the cancer to become less controlled.
Apoquel should not be used in Demodex infections. Avoiding the use of the product may be recommended in animals with previous demodex infections.
Blood work should be done in patients who regularly use this product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Veterinarian Recommend Apoquel If It’s Considered an Off-Label Use?
Some veterinarians will recommend Apoquel to feline patients who have been diagnosed with allergic skin disease that has not gotten relief through other standard modalities or who cannot get certain medications because of co-existing conditions.
Does Apoquel Require a Written Prescription From My Veterinarian?
Yes, your veterinarian will need to give you a prescription to receive this medication, as it is not available over the counter.
Is Apoquel a Steroid?
No, Apoquel is not a steroid. For many, that’s the appeal. Some of the undesirable side effects associated with steroid administration are avoided with the use of Apoquel in dogs.
In summary
The use of apoquel in cats is considered extra-label and several important parameters are currently unknown including safety. Careful consideration and discussion should occur between the prescriber and the patient’s owner prior to administering the medication. Close monitoring and blood tests should be performed to ensure that the patient’s health remains stable during use. In cases where relief from itching is not achieved by other means, Apoquel may be a reasonable option in cats.
Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock
