If your dog is itching like crazy, ask for APOQUEL
For dogs with allergic itch, relief can't come soon enough. APOQUEL (oclacitinib tablet) provides fast, safe, and effective relief — so you and you dog can get back to doing what you love.
Next to you, APOQUEL is a dog's best friend.
Ask your veterinarian for APOQUEL today.
Don't wait. Talk to your veterinarian about APOQUEL today.
APOQUEL works fast
If your dog is scratching, licking, or chewing like crazy, you want to provide fast, effective relief. APOQUEL starts relieving allergic dog itch within 4 hours — and controls it within 24 hours. 1,2
Learn moreAsk your veterinarian for APOQUEL
See signs of allergic itch? See your veterinarian
All dogs scratch, lick, and chew — but if it's becoming more frequent and excessive, it may mean something more.
Common signs
- Frequent scratching, licking, biting, or chewing
- Excessive rolling, rubbing, or scooting
- Recurrent ear problems (such as head shaking, ear discharge/odor, or scratching at ears)
- Hair loss, body odor, or skin changes (such as rash, redness, greasy skin, or scabs)
Common causes
- Flea allergy
- Food allergy
- Environmental indoor and outdoor allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, and mold)
- Contact allergy (such as carpet cleaners, shampoos, plants, and insecticidal products)
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APOQUEL has been prescribed for over 8 million dogs3
Why APOQUEL?
- Fast—starts relieving allergic dog itch within 4 hours, and controls it within 24 hours1,2
- Has been prescribed for over 8 million dogs3
- Effective—works right at the source to stop itching and relieve inflammation in dogs
- Not a steroid or antihistamine
- Can be used long-term for maintenance therapy or short-term4,5
- #1 prescribed medicine for allergic itch in dogs6
- #1 in pet owner and veterinarian satisfaction*7,8
APOQUEL is only available by prescription from your veterinarian.
So talk to your veterinarian today.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
*Based on survey data from 250 veterinarians and 150 pet owners.
Take the Allergic Itch Quiz and we'll donate to the K-9 Courage Program
Does your itchy dog need to see the veterinarian? Take the quiz and find out. Once you have completed the quiz, we’ll make a donation on your behalf to the K-9 Courage Program, which provides financial and product donations to retired military dogs, active police dogs, and active service dogs that assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress.
APOQUEL dosing
- APOQUEL is given twice daily for up to 14 days, and then given once daily for maintenance therapy
- APOQUEL can be given with or without food
Available in 3 dosages: Your veterinarian will prescribe the proper dosage for your dog’s body weight
Tablets are not actual sizeAPOQUEL safety speaks volumes
APOQUEL is safe to use in dogs 12 months of age or older
- Can be used long-term for maintenance therapy or short-term4,5
- Can be used with many other medications4:
- Including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as carprofen), vaccines (such as rabies), and allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops)
- The use of APOQUEL has not been evaluated in combination with other systemic immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine
- Is not for use in dogs with serious infections, or for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs
Most common APOQUEL side effects
In a short-term clinical study, the most common side effects were vomiting and diarrhea.
APOQUEL is not a steroid or antihistamine
With APOQUEL, your dog is less likely to suffer from side effects often seen with steroids, such as2:
- Behavior changes (such as stress, anxiety, and aggression)9
- Excessive drinking and urinating10
- Weight gain10
Why APOQUEL vs other treatment options?
You may have tried other treatments to relieve your dog’s allergic itch. Getting the right treatment early on can help avoid unnecessary suffering and the costs associated with treatments that just don’t do the trick.
See why APOQUEL is different than other treatments.
Ask your veterinarian for APOQUEL.
- May relieve allergies in humans but are often not effective at reducing allergic itch in dogs11,12
- Can put your dog at risk for progression of allergic itch and secondary skin infection, because they don’t treat the underlying cause and the itch continues
- Offer little or no benefit in treating flare-ups in a majority of dogs with allergic itch13
- May offer relief but may not be a good option if your dog requires long-term treatment
- 50% of dog owners report side effects with steroids14
- Can cause side effects such as excessive drinking and urinating, increased appetite, and behavior changes, such as increased anxiety, even when used short term9,10
- In a short-term clinical study, the most common side effects reported with APOQUEL were vomiting and diarrhea2
- Oatmeal baths, lotions, or over-the-counter topical medicines may provide some temporary relief but don’t get to the underlying cause of allergic itch
Don't wait — talk to your veterinarian
It’s easier to treat allergic itch in dogs early, when the first signs appear. Identifying the condition early and getting the right treatment can bring your dog faster relief and help prevent secondary skin infections and other complications. At the first signs of allergic itch, talk to your veterinarian.
My Vet Visit
APOQUEL is available only through prescription from a veterinarian. So at the first sign of allergic itch, see your veterinarian and ask for APOQUEL.
Questions your veterinarian may ask
- Does the itching happen often? Is it becoming more regular?
- On what part of the body does your dog scratch most?
- Is there a seasonal pattern? How long does it last? Does it last longer than when you first noticed it?
- Does it happen when your dog goes outdoors?
- Is it becoming more severe?
- Does the itch interrupt normal activities like eating, walking outdoors, playing, or sleeping?
Resources for your vet visit
Earn up to $100 in rewards with
*A new way to save! With each eligible APOQUEL purchase, earn money for future veterinarian visits and online purchases.
Apoquel Stories
See how APOQUEL helped these dogs itching for relief.
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See how APOQUEL helps itchy dogs get relief.
Bijou's back!
“This stuff [APOQUEL] is amazing! She slept through the night and I slept through the night. She was not chewing and scratching as much, and her energy level was coming back.”
–Bijou’s owner
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See how APOQUEL helps itchy dogs get relief.
Captain's in charge now!
“Within a week of starting [APOQUEL], he had his cone off and he looked like a normal dog, which was amazing when for the last 2 years we’d watch him steadily decrease in health every day.”
–Captain’s owner
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See how APOQUEL helps itchy dogs get relief.
Gunner's on top again!
“When I saw the relief in Gunner [from APOQUEL], I felt the relief myself…I was hoping for good and got amazing.”
–Gunner’s owner
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See how APOQUEL helps itchy dogs get relief.
Molly's on the move!
“Within the first couple of days [after starting APOQUEL], she was a completely different dog. She had done a complete 180 degrees with her personality and her energy level.”
–Molly’s owner
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See how APOQUEL helps itchy dogs get relief.
No itching for Nani!
“I gave her the first dose [of APOQUEL] at night. She did not scratch or itch at all that night. Nani now can sleep at night, go outside, and play. She has a better quality of life.”
–Nani’s owner
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“I’m really impressed. Nothing has given this dog relief, ever. Go APOQUEL!”
–Dr. Jill Abraham, New York, NY*
“One pet owner said that [her] dog is a different dog. Dog itch [pruritus] is down 90% and [she said] her dog is so much more comfortable…”
–Dr. Dale Brown, Fayetteville, NC*
*According to a 2013 survey involving 119 veterinarians and 356 dog owners regarding the APOQUEL Early Experience Program.15
You could win $250 in rewards by sharing your APOQUEL story
Has your dog found relief from allergic itch with APOQUEL? We would love to hear about your dog's journey and how life has changed since starting APOQUEL. Share your dog’s APOQUEL story and you’ll get a chance to win $250 in rewards (2,500 points) to spend at the veterinarian with Zoetis Petcare Rewards! Plus, your story may be featured on our website in the future.
Enter TodayPlease see Sweepstakes Terms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about APOQUEL
Yes, you can use APOQUEL for short periods. APOQUEL begins relieving allergic dog itch within 4 hours, and controls it within 24 hours.1,2
Yes, APOQUEL may be used with other treatment such as4:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, carprofen)
- Vaccines (rabies)
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops)
The use of APOQUEL has not been evaluated in combination with other systemic immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not placed any time restrictions on the use of APOQUEL. Your dog can continue to be treated with APOQUEL as long as your veterinarian recommends. In a study, dogs were treated with APOQUEL for more than 2 years.4
APOQUEL is available by prescription from your veterinarian.
Yes, APOQUEL can be given with or without food.
APOQUEL is given twice daily for up to 14 days, and then given once daily for maintenance therapy.
APOQUEL starts relieving allergic itch within 4 hours of giving the treatment to your dog.1
The most common side effects of APOQUEL in a short-term clinical trial were vomiting and diarrhea. These occurred in only a small percentage of dogs treated with APOQUEL. These side effects typically stopped on their own.2
APOQUEL is a medication for dogs prescribed by a veterinarian for dogs 12 months of age or older to control the itch and inflammation associated with allergic and atopic dermatitis.
Occasional itching is a fact of life for dogs. However, allergies, fleas, mites, infection, and other diseases may cause more frequent or constant itching, indicating a more serious condition. If you notice your dog is itching more often, and/or you see changes in your dog’s skin, including hot spots, redness, or rash, make an appointment to visit your veterinarian and get it checked out.
If your dog is scratching, licking, or biting the same area repeatedly, the skin can become damaged, red, and sore. It’s a good idea to ask your dog’s veterinarian about the possible causes. It could be due to allergies, and in this event, your pet may require a prescription treatment such as APOQUEL to treat the underlying cause. There also may be a skin infection that requires antibiotic or antifungal treatment from your veterinarian.
APOQUEL is not a steroid, antihistamine, or cyclosporine (a type of drug that reduces immune system activity). APOQUEL is in a different category of medications. Unlike other medicines, APOQUEL blocks allergic itch at the source. So, it works at the underlying cause of itch to provide relief fast.
If your dog’s itching persists or you notice any of the following signs, you should make an appointment to visit your veterinarian to find out if the itching is caused by a medical condition:
- Frequent scratching, licking, biting, or chewing
- Excessive rolling, rubbing, or scooting
- Recurrent ear problems (head shaking, ear discharge/odor, or scratching at ears)
- Hair loss, body odor, or skin changes (such as rash, redness, greasy skin, or scabs)
Important Safety Information: Do not use APOQUEL in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. APOQUEL may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. APOQUEL has not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. APOQUEL has been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines.
For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information.
INDICATIONS
Control of pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.
References:
1. Gadeyne C, Little P, King VL, Edwards N, Davis K, Stegemann MR. Efficacy of oclacitinib (Apoquel®) compared with prednisolone for the control of pruritus and clinical signs associated with allergic dermatitis in client-owned dogs in Australia. Vet Dermatol. 2014;25(6):512-518, e86. doi: 10.1111/vde.12166.
2. Cosgrove SB, Wren JA, Cleaver DM, et al. Efficacy and safety of oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with canine allergic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2013;24(5):479-e114. doi: 10.1111/vde.12047.
3. Data on file, Zoetis 2020, Zoetis Services LLC.
4. Cosgrove SB, Cleaver DM, King VL, et al. Long-term compassionate use of oclacitinib in dogs with atopic and allergic skin disease: safety, efficacy and quality of life. Vet Dermatol. 2015;26(3):171-179, e35.5
5. Cosgrove SB, Wren JA, Cleaver DM, et al. A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase inhibitor oclacitinib (Apoquel®) in client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2013;24(6):587-e142.
6. Data on file, Zoetis 2019, Zoetis Services LLC.
7. Data on file, APOQUEL/CYTOPOINT Pet Tracker Wave 6, 2019, Zoetis Inc.
8. Data on file, APOQUEL/CYTOPOINT Vet Tracker Wave 11, 2018, Zoetis Inc.
9. Notari L. Burman O, Mills D. Behavioural changes in dogs treated with corticosteroids. Physiol Behav. 2015;151:609-616.
10. Sousa CA. Glucocorticoids in veterinary dermatology. In: Bonagura JD, Twedt DC, eds. Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy. 14th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:400-404.
11. Hsiao Y-H, Chen C, Willemse T. Effects of cetirizine in dogs with chronic atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trail. J Vet Sci. 2016;17(4):549-553.
12. Marsella R, Sousa CA, Gonzalez AJ, Fadok VA. Current understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of canine atopic dermatitis. JAVMA. 2012;241(2):194-207.
13. Olivry T, DeBoer DJ, Favrot C, et al; for the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC Vet Med Assoc. 2015;241(2):194-207.
14. Data on file, Dog Owner Journey Quantitative Report, 2013, Zoetis Inc.
15. Data on file. APOQUEL EEP Vet Data 4-11-14. Zoetis Inc.