Atopica

[Maria Tidorescu]

Dermatologist recommended Atopica for Sam .I really dont know how I feel about it.Not happy with any medications.. Suggested to try for 3 months to see if his hair improves.
Anybody used this drug for dogs?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Atopica is the veterinary brand name for cyclosporine, which is an immuno-suppressant drug that is used to treat autoimmune and immune mediated diseases in both dogs and humans. Many people here whose dogs have various immune diseases have used it, and I have not yet heard of any dogs who had serious side effects as a result. If you do a search, you will find lots of discussions about it, most of them in the Health Group. 

What was Sam's diagnosis? 

[Maria Tidorescu]

Allergies 1 st,+ biopsy results ,he had reaction to rabies vaccine,bold spot,His hair is very thin ,his skin turned gray/black.Monday I will know more after I am meting with dermatologist.He called today and want me to think about putting Sam on Atopica.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would not do anything until you see the dermatologist and get the biopsy results. None of the symptoms you described sound like allergies, and I'm very very well versed in allergy symptoms in dogs, better than most GP vets are, I believe. You do not want to use a powerful immunosuppressant drug unless your dog has been reliably diagnosed with an immune disease. Even if Sam does have allergies, there are other better treatment options. And if Sam does have "black skin disease", otherwise known as Alopecia X. and his symptoms do point in that direction, Atopica is NOT the right treatment. 

Also, please be aware that there is a generic version of Atopica, cyclosporine, which is cheaper than Atopics; but they are both still very expensive drugs, and if Sam does need to go on that, ask for a prescription so you can shop around for a better price at your local pharmacies.