🐾 Apoquel tablets 5.4 mg, 100 pcs.

Apoquel belongs to the group of selective Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAK) drugs.

Oclacitinib maleate, a component of the drug, inhibits the functions of proinflammatory, proallergic and pruritogenic (pruritogenic) cytokines dependent on the enzymatic activity of Janus kinase JAK1 or JAK3 at a therapeutic dose, the targeted effect on which allows to inhibit key mechanisms of itching associated with allergy and helps to eliminate the symptoms of local inflammation; cytokines involved in hematopoiesis and dependent on JAK2 are not significantly affected.

After oral administration oclacytinib maleate is quickly absorbed in gastro-intestinal tract (bioavailability is 89 %), enters systemic blood flow, maximum concentration in plasma is reached in less than 1 hour, penetrates into most organs and tissues, is practically not metabolized, excreted unchanged, mainly with urine, elimination half-life is 3-4 hours.

Apokvel is classified as moderately hazardous substances (3 class of hazard according to GOST 12.1.007) with weak cumulative properties; in recommended dose it does not exhibit mutagenic, carcinogenic, embryotoxic and teratogenic activity.

Indications

Apoquel is prescribed for dogs in dermatitis associated with allergies (contact, food, parasitic) in order to eliminate itching and reduce focal skin changes, as well as to prevent recurrence of atopic dermatitis.

Active ingredient

Oclacytinib

Composition

In 1 tablet as an active ingredient oclacitinib maleate (in terms of oclacitinib) 5.4 mg, as well as excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, film-maker “Opadry II White” and purified water.

How to take, the dosage

Apoquel is administered orally to dogs individually by hand, or mixed with food, or forced into the mouth at a single dose of 0.4-0.6 mg of oxytinib per 1 kg of animal weight twice daily, for no more than 14 days; as maintenance therapy in atopic dermatitis – once daily in the same dose, but no more than 14 weeks. Scheme and duration of drug administration depend on etiology and pathogenesis of dermatitis, clinical condition of the animal and shall be determined by the attending veterinarian.

Special Instructions

Empty vials from the drug must not be used for domestic purposes, they must be disposed with household waste. Peculiarities of action during the first use of the drug and its withdrawal have not been revealed. Skipping the next dose of the drug should be avoided, because it may lead to loss of effectiveness. If the next dose is missed, the use of Apoquel should be resumed in accordance with these instructions. Apoquel is not intended for use in productive animals.

Contraindications

The contraindication to the use of Apoquel is individual intolerance to its components.

It is not allowed to use the drug in dogs with signs of immunosuppression, such as hyperadrenocorticism, as well as in dogs with progressive malignant neoplasms.

The drug should not be used in mating dogs, dogs under 12 months of age and/or weighing less than 3 kg, as well as puppy and lactating bitches.

Side effects

Side effects and complications with short-term use of Apoquel may manifest as depression, gastrointestinal dysfunction, cystitis; animals receiving Apoquel for more than 16 days may experience increased appetite and aggression, skin and subcutaneous neoplasms, skin infections caused by yeast fungi, increased lymph nodes, exacerbation of demodex and cancers in approximately 1% of cases.