How Apoquel Is Different From Other Treatments
Allergic itch is a serious medical condition that requires treatment. Apoquel targets the source of the itch to bring comfort quickly and avoid unnecessary costs.
Learn How Apoquel is Different From Other Treatments
Antihistamines
Can relieve allergies in humans but are often not effective at reducing allergic itch in dogs.1,2
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 the majority of dogs.3
Steroids
- May offer relief but may not be a good option if your dog requires long-term treatment.
50% of dog owners reported side effects with steroids.4
Can cause side effects such as excessive drinking and urinating, increased appetite,5 and behavior changes, such as increased anxiety, even when used short term.6
In a 10-year safety review, the most common individual side effects reported with Apoquel were vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and bloodwork changes.7,8
Home Remedies
- 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. Failing to treat the source of the itch may have a long-lasting impact on your dog.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use Apoquel or Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. See 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:
Hsiao Y- H, Chen C, Willemse T. Effects of cetirizine in dogs with chronic atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Vet Sci. 2016;17(4):549-553. doi: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.4.549
Marsella R, Sousa CA, Gonzalez AJ, Fadok VA. Current understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of canine atopic dermatitis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;241(2):194-207. doi:10.2460/javma.241.2.194
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 Res. 2015;11:210. doi: 10.1186/s12917-015-0514-6
Data on file, Pet Owner Quantitative Market Research, 2013, Zoetis Inc.
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.
Notari L, Burman O, Mills D. Behavioural changes in dogs treated with corticosteroids. Physiol Behav. 2015;151:609-616. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.08.041
Nederveld SM, et al. Safety of the Selective JAK1 Inhibitor Oclacitinib in Dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Ther, 2025; 1-11, doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13503.
Data on file, A Ten-Year Post-Approval Safety Review for Apoquel® in the US (May 2013 to May 2023), Zoetis Inc.
APQ-00679R13
