Anyone have experience using APOQUEL for treating canine atopy ?

[Jack & Cooper]

Just read in Feb 2016 WDJ of new oral med called oclacitinib, marketed by Zoetis under trade name Apoquel, of new class of drug for rapidly reducing itching with more effectiveness than older meds. Curious if doodle owners have any experience using it....

Cooper well controlled with minimal daily the Temaril-p and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think we have some members in the Atopic Dermatitis Group using Apoquel. It's been out for a couple of years now. It's an immunosuppressant similar to the human drugs Xeljans. The benefit of using Apoquel over Atopica (cyclosporine) is that it's cheaper. It's also often in short supply, because a lot of GP vets are prescribing it rather than referring the clients to dermatology specialists. It does carry the same cancer risks as all of the other biologics, so should really only be used when absolutely necessary, IMO. 

[Jack & Cooper]

Thanks Karen! how is Jack doing?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

His allergies have been a non-issue for years; the immunotherapy has worked extremely well for him. Unfortunately, he has a couple of other health issues which make the allergies look like walk in the park, lol. But he's doing very well considering his health challenges and the fact that he's 11 years old. Thanks for asking. :) 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We have our Lucy on Apoquel.  In my opinion it has been an amazing thing for her.  We had been on Atopica (Cyclosporine) and the allergy shots for a couple years and even with both we weren't getting the results needed.  Within 15 mins (ok, maybe 30 mins) of the first pill she stopped itching.  We have been on it for approximately 6 months.  We also switched from the Injections to the new drops that are out on the market.  She also added in some additional things into the mix this time because of some issues we were having when in FL.  So far, so good.  I know when they wanted to originally put her on the Atopica that I was very hesitant.  However, our dermatologist is now saying that it has been on the market long enough and they are not seeing the cancer results that they thought they were in the beginning and that it shouldn't be a concern.  With the Apoquel, it is still new.  For us, Lucy was just so miserable, year round,  that for us it was a trade off.  Having already lost one to Cancer we obviously don't want to go down that road again.  However, we also don't want her to be miserable for the remainder of however many years she has left.  She could also get cancer if we didn't put her on it.  So far we are not having any trouble getting it when we need it.  We get a couple months worth at a time and it has always been in stock.  We are getting it filled at our regular vet so that the insurance will pay the entire amount.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, quality of life is an important consideration in the risk-benefit equation. :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just started Murphy on Apoquel a week ago.  He has seasonal allergies (Spring) and for years it was controlled with Claritin.  This year he was totally miserable.  After watching (and hearing him) scratch himself one entire night, I decided to move him to the Apoquel.  My Vet had prescribed it, but we decided to wait until we were convinced that he needed something that strong.  It has helped tremendously.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Rooney has been on Apoquel for about a year now - it has been like night and day for him.  We did have to get on a "waiting" list at the Vets.  They only get so much and for us in Florida - it is expensive.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My Vet said it used to be like that here too, but now she's not having any trouble getting it.  Glad to hear it worked so well for Rooney.

[Moe]

We started Charlie on Apoquel about three weeks ago. She would bite giant hot spots in her skin. It was heartbreaking. She would end up wearing the cone for weeks at a time and  going on steroids and antibiotics. In the last two months they have made it available to all vets. It is no longer hard to get. It started working within two days. Have not had a problem since. A 6mo supply cost me $65. So much cheaper than a single trip to the vet. 

[Sari Schwartz]

Hi there, I was hoping to get some feedback on the longer term affects of Apoquel. Our dog Milo (2 years) saw the vet this morning and one of the options she recommended is Apoquel. She also recommended having him see a doggie allergist as well. Which we might do. But I am curious about Apoquel and the associated risks. Are the risks better than the risks of having him on a steroid (Prednisone) every few months to zap his itchiness? Lots to consider. I can't find too much online about the actual studies. Any thoughts on how it's been for your dogs? Thanks! Sari

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Sari,

Apoquel is a newer drug, so there isn't much data for long term use. However, it is an immunosuppressant of the Jans Kinase inhibitor type, (like the human drug Xeljans), and one of the long term side effects of these types of drugs is an increased risk of cancer. I personally would not want to have a dog on any immunosuppressant drug long term if there are other options, and that includes steroids, which should also not be used long term. 

I would strongly urge you to see a veterinary dermatologist. My Jack has been under the care of a vet dermatologist since 2008; he has had wonderful results from the immunotherapy treatment, which is the only treatment for allergies that doesn't involve immunosuppressant drugs and has virtually no side effects. It involves skin testing under sedation. If your dog's itchiness requires drugs more than 4 months of the year, it would be your best option, IMO. 

Another reason it's a good idea to see a dermatology specialist is that they often have other ways to control itching and symptoms. GP vets, no matter how good they are, simply cannot be UTD on every study, every drug,and every treatment for every disease. And putting your dog into the hands of an expert with a solid treatment plan really helps relieve the constant guessing and anxiety that those of us with allergic dogs often experience.

Hope this helps.