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Atopica For Dogs 50 mg 15 Capsule Pk product detail number 1.0 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658
At a Glance
  • Significantly reduces itching and skin lesions
  • Proven effective in most dogs
  • Allows you to control your pet's problem without steroids
  • Safe to use over long periods without the serious side effects usually associated with steroids
Atopica

Atopica (Cyclosporine) - Allergy & Immune Treatment Capsule for Dogs

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$91.31
$68.49 See Price in Cart with code CARE25 tooltip Why don't we show the price? Sometimes the manufacturers do not allow us to show our price. Don't worry; you'll be able to see the price in checkout before you decide to buy it.
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Atopica For Dogs 50 mg 15 Capsule Pk product detail number 1.0 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658 10658
At a Glance
  • Significantly reduces itching and skin lesions
  • Proven effective in most dogs
  • Allows you to control your pet's problem without steroids
  • Safe to use over long periods without the serious side effects usually associated with steroids
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About this product
1. Is Atopica a Cyclosporine?
Answer
Cyclosporine is generic to Atopica and has been proven to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs. The medication is formulated to help reduce the constant scratching, rubbing, and licking by your dog. However, the medicine requires a prescription from an experienced veterinarian. The medication is effective for both cats and dogs 6 months or older, weighing 4 lbs and more. The drug is effective in reducing itching and skin lesions.
2. Is Atopica Better Than Apoquel?
Answer
Yes, Atopica is better than Apoquel in its application. Atopica is designed to treat the immune system because of the itch. This makes it more effective when preventing infections like skin and ear and the resulting itch. On the other hand, Apoquel suppresses the itch and doesn't treat the underlying issue, which makes it a temporary relief system rather than a treatment. Atopica is considered an immunomodulatory drug by specialists. Apoquel, on the other hand, is simply a medication inhibiting the nerve response of itch to the immune stimulation.
3. How Quickly Does Atopica Work?
Answer
Atopica is a medication designated to treat various allergies and other dermatitis conditions in dogs and cats. The medicine needs at least two weeks to start working. After that, it may take as long as four to six weeks to show visible signs of improvement in the skin condition. After four to six weeks, the dosage should be gradually decreased to every alternate day. Atopica is an oral medication formulated as gelatin capsules filled with liquid or simply as an oral liquid. The recommended dosage is one or two times a day, an hour or two after a meal. While it's not suggested to give the medication with a meal, you can give a small amount of food or treat with it for positive reinforcement as the medicine itself is quite bitter, and your dog won't like the taste of it.
4. Is Atopica Safe?
Answer
Atopica, when taken in moderation, is safe for most dogs. However, FDA has listed several side effects of the oral use of this particular medication. Some of these include headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, swollen and bleeding gums, kidney failure, cancer, hypertension, immune suppression, and in some extreme cases, death. Considering the severeness of some of these side effects, it's best to treat your dog with Atopica only after consulting an experienced veterinarian.
5. Can You Stop Atopica?
Answer
The recommended dose of Atopica is 5mg per kg of body weight every day. The medication is administered as a single daily dose for four to six months. Once the initial treatment days are over and your dog shows improvement, the dosing must be gradually weaned by decreasing the frequency to every alternate day or twice a week. Don't stop the medication unless your vet instructs you to do so, as it may cause severe health issues.
6. Does Atopica Expire?
Answer
It's recommended to store Atopica in the original container at room temperature between 59-degree and 77-degree F. Once you have opened the container of the medication, you must use the contents within 60 days for the 5ml packaging and within 11 weeks for the 17ml container. To ensure the optimal shelf life of the medicine, make sure that you close the bottle with the child-proof screw cap after every use.
7. Why Do You Have to Wear Gloves With Atopica?
Answer
Atopica is an immunosuppressant and increases the risk of infection for animals and humans alike when contacted. When on this medication, pets are more exposed to infection and are required to avoid other animals or people with contagious diseases or disorders. This is the main reason behind cancer being one of the side effects of this medication. This is why pet parents are advised to wash their hands after applying Atopica to their pets. For more protection, it's recommended to wear latex gloves while administering this medication.
8. Is Atopica Prescription Only?
Answer
Atopica is a prescription medication used to control skin conditions in dogs. The medicine targets the immune system response that causes itching and inflammation. Since it's an immunosuppressant and has severe side effects, pet parents can purchase it only through a vet's prescription. Moreover, a vet would guide you through the doses and type of the medication to keep your pet safe when its immunity is suppressed.
9. Should You Freeze Atopica?
Answer
Atopica is available in two formulations, namely capsules and oral liquid. The former can be stored at room temperature in a cold and dry place. Pet parents can also freeze the pills to reduce the nausea side effects of the medicine. Frozen capsules will last up to 28 days after they have been frozen. The oral liquid, on the other hand, should not be refrigerated or frozen at all. The liquid will be safe for consumption for up to 60 days from opening the bottle.

What is Atopica (cyclosporine capsules) for Dogs?

Atopica for Dogs is used to treat atopic dermatitis (commonly called skin allergies) in dogs. Signs of skin allergies include itching, scratching, licking, gnawing, chewing, skin infections, hair loss, terrible odor, and sleepless nights. Atopica for Dogs requires a prescription from your veterinarian. For skin allergy treatment for cats, we recommend Atopica for Cats.

For:

Dogs (6+ months of age, weighing 4+ lbs)

Benefits:

  • Significantly reduces itching and skin lesions
  • Proven effective in most dogs
  • Allows you to control your pet's problem without steroids
  • Safe to use over long periods without the serious side effects usually associated with steroids

How does Atopica for Dogs work?

Atopica targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. You usually only administer one dose a day to control symptoms, but many dogs can be effectively controlled with every-other-day or twice-weekly dosing.

Cautions:

Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. For use in dogs only. Wear gloves during administration. Capsules should not be broken or opened. Wash hands after administration. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and provide the package insert or the label to the physician. There are many possible drug interactions. Be sure to tell your veterinarian what other medications your pet is currently using. Give Atopica at least one hour before food or 2 hours after food.

Brand Name:

Atopica (Elanco)

Generic Name:

Cyclosporine Modified

What is the most important thing I should know about Atopica for Dogs?

Notify your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops fever (over 103°), painful urination, tiredness, sneezing, coughing, or runny nose. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Don't use in dogs with a history of neoplasia, with a hypersensitivity to cyclosporine, or in reproducing dogs. Use with caution in dogs with diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency, and with drugs that affect the P-450 pathway. Killed vaccines are recommended. Atopica is a systemic immunosuppressant that may increase susceptibility to infection and development of neoplasia. See product label for complete safety information.

What is Atopica for Dogs?

Atopica for Dogs (cyclosporine modified) is an immunosuppressant available by prescription. Atopica is FDA approved for use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 6 months of age weighing at least 4 lbs. Atopica for Dogs is available in 15 capsule blister packs in strengths of 10 mg for dogs 4-9 lbs, 25 mg for dogs 9.1-16 lbs, 50 mg for dogs 16.1-33 lbs and 100 mg for dogs 33.1-64 lbs. For dogs 64.1-79 lbs, give a combination of one 100 mg capsule and one 50 mg capsule as a single dose. For dogs 79.1-121 lbs give, two 100 mg capsules as a single dose. Atopica for Dogs is given once a day to start until satisfactory improvement is seen, usually 4 to 8 weeks. The medication can then be given every other day until the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are satisfactorily controlled, then the medication can be given every 3 or 4 days.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Atopica for Dogs?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, high blood pressure, a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, or any other serious or chronic condition. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating, and if you plan to breed your pet.

How should Atopica for Dogs be given?

Give Atopica for Dogs exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to explain them to you. Give Atopica for Dogs 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Do not remove a capsule from the blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there is a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal. Wear gloves during administration. Capsules should not be broken or opened. Wash hands after administration. Your veterinarian may want your pet to have regularly scheduled blood tests during treatment to monitor effectiveness and side effects.

What are the potential side effects of Atopica for Dogs?

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Atopica for Dogs to your pet and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, and hives). Gastrointestinal problems and gingival hyperplasia may occur at the initial dose. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Atopica for Dogs and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, soft stools or diarrhea, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and change of hair coat. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Atopica for Dogs?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Atopica for Dogs?

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.

What should I avoid while giving Atopica for Dogs to my pet?

The safe use in breeding, pregnant or lactating pets has not been determined. Do not use Atopica for Dogs in pets with known allergy to the medication. The drug should not be used in pets with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and certain blood disorders. Prolonged use of Atopica can result in bacterial or fungal infection related to a decreased effect of the immune system.

What other drugs will affect Atopica for Dogs?

Tell your veterinarian what medications your pet is currently using and any new products, including herbal remedies you may start to give. Drug/drug interactions could cause a decrease in effectiveness or an increase in side effects of either Atopica or the other medication being given. Examples of medications that may cause drug/drug interactions are: SMZ-TMP (Bactrim, Septra), gentamicin, etodolac (EtoGesic), piroxicam (Feldene), ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), itraconazole (Sporanox), methylprednisolone (Medrol), erythromycin, Allopurinol (Zyloprim), metoclopramide (Reglan), prednisolone, digoxin (Lanoxin), or any type of vaccination.

See more

Atopica for Dogs Directions:

  • Atopica for Dogs (cyclosporine modified) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
  • Atopica for Dogs (cyclosporine modified) comes in capsule form and is available in four strengths: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
  • You usually only administer one dose a day to control symptoms, but many dogs can be effectively controlled with every-other-day or twice-weekly dosing. Administer according to your veterinarian's instructions.
  • Wear gloves during administration. Capsules should not be broken or opened. Wash hands after administration.
  • Give Atopica for Dogs at least one hour before food or 2 hours after food.
Tip:

Do not remove capsule from blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there may be a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal.

Atopica For Dogs Dosage for Dogs: (Over 6 months of age)

Dogs: (Over 6 months of age)
Weight Dosage
4-6.5 lbs Give one 10 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
6.6-9 lbs Give two 10 mg capsules orally as a single dose once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
9.1-16 lbs Give one 25 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
16.1-33 lbs Give one 50 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
33.1-64 lbs Give one 100 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
64.1-79 lbs Give one 100 mg capsule AND one 50 mg capsule orally as a single dose once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
79.1-121 lbs Give two 100 mg capsules orally as a single dose once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
Atopica For Dogs Dosage for Cats:
Cats
Do not use!
Atopica For Dogs Dosage for Horses:
Horses
Do not use!

Storage:

Store at room temperature away from children and pets.

Atopica for Dogs Ingredients:

Atopica Green for Dogs 4-9 lbs:
Active IngredientsAmount
Cyclosporine10mg
Atopica Yellow for Dogs 9.1-16 lbs:
Active IngredientsAmount
Cyclosporine25 mg
Atopica Purple for Dogs 16.1-33 lbs
Active Ingredients:Amount
Cyclosporine50 mg
Atopica Blue for Dogs 33.1-64 lbs
Active Ingredients:Amount
Cyclosporine100 mg
Product Details
plus minus

What is Atopica (cyclosporine capsules) for Dogs?

Atopica for Dogs is used to treat atopic dermatitis (commonly called skin allergies) in dogs. Signs of skin allergies include itching, scratching, licking, gnawing, chewing, skin infections, hair loss, terrible odor, and sleepless nights. Atopica for Dogs requires a prescription from your veterinarian. For skin allergy treatment for cats, we recommend Atopica for Cats.

For:

Dogs (6+ months of age, weighing 4+ lbs)

Benefits:

  • Significantly reduces itching and skin lesions
  • Proven effective in most dogs
  • Allows you to control your pet's problem without steroids
  • Safe to use over long periods without the serious side effects usually associated with steroids

How does Atopica for Dogs work?

Atopica targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. You usually only administer one dose a day to control symptoms, but many dogs can be effectively controlled with every-other-day or twice-weekly dosing.

Cautions:

Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. For use in dogs only. Wear gloves during administration. Capsules should not be broken or opened. Wash hands after administration. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and provide the package insert or the label to the physician. There are many possible drug interactions. Be sure to tell your veterinarian what other medications your pet is currently using. Give Atopica at least one hour before food or 2 hours after food.

Brand Name:

Atopica (Elanco)

Generic Name:

Cyclosporine Modified

What is the most important thing I should know about Atopica for Dogs?

Notify your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops fever (over 103°), painful urination, tiredness, sneezing, coughing, or runny nose. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. Don't use in dogs with a history of neoplasia, with a hypersensitivity to cyclosporine, or in reproducing dogs. Use with caution in dogs with diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency, and with drugs that affect the P-450 pathway. Killed vaccines are recommended. Atopica is a systemic immunosuppressant that may increase susceptibility to infection and development of neoplasia. See product label for complete safety information.

What is Atopica for Dogs?

Atopica for Dogs (cyclosporine modified) is an immunosuppressant available by prescription. Atopica is FDA approved for use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 6 months of age weighing at least 4 lbs. Atopica for Dogs is available in 15 capsule blister packs in strengths of 10 mg for dogs 4-9 lbs, 25 mg for dogs 9.1-16 lbs, 50 mg for dogs 16.1-33 lbs and 100 mg for dogs 33.1-64 lbs. For dogs 64.1-79 lbs, give a combination of one 100 mg capsule and one 50 mg capsule as a single dose. For dogs 79.1-121 lbs give, two 100 mg capsules as a single dose. Atopica for Dogs is given once a day to start until satisfactory improvement is seen, usually 4 to 8 weeks. The medication can then be given every other day until the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are satisfactorily controlled, then the medication can be given every 3 or 4 days.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Atopica for Dogs?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, high blood pressure, a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, or any other serious or chronic condition. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating, and if you plan to breed your pet.

How should Atopica for Dogs be given?

Give Atopica for Dogs exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to explain them to you. Give Atopica for Dogs 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Do not remove a capsule from the blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there is a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal. Wear gloves during administration. Capsules should not be broken or opened. Wash hands after administration. Your veterinarian may want your pet to have regularly scheduled blood tests during treatment to monitor effectiveness and side effects.

What are the potential side effects of Atopica for Dogs?

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Atopica for Dogs to your pet and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, and hives). Gastrointestinal problems and gingival hyperplasia may occur at the initial dose. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Atopica for Dogs and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, soft stools or diarrhea, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and change of hair coat. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Atopica for Dogs?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Atopica for Dogs?

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.

What should I avoid while giving Atopica for Dogs to my pet?

The safe use in breeding, pregnant or lactating pets has not been determined. Do not use Atopica for Dogs in pets with known allergy to the medication. The drug should not be used in pets with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and certain blood disorders. Prolonged use of Atopica can result in bacterial or fungal infection related to a decreased effect of the immune system.

What other drugs will affect Atopica for Dogs?

Tell your veterinarian what medications your pet is currently using and any new products, including herbal remedies you may start to give. Drug/drug interactions could cause a decrease in effectiveness or an increase in side effects of either Atopica or the other medication being given. Examples of medications that may cause drug/drug interactions are: SMZ-TMP (Bactrim, Septra), gentamicin, etodolac (EtoGesic), piroxicam (Feldene), ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), itraconazole (Sporanox), methylprednisolone (Medrol), erythromycin, Allopurinol (Zyloprim), metoclopramide (Reglan), prednisolone, digoxin (Lanoxin), or any type of vaccination.

See more
How to use
plus minus

Atopica for Dogs Directions:

  • Atopica for Dogs (cyclosporine modified) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
  • Atopica for Dogs (cyclosporine modified) comes in capsule form and is available in four strengths: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
  • You usually only administer one dose a day to control symptoms, but many dogs can be effectively controlled with every-other-day or twice-weekly dosing. Administer according to your veterinarian's instructions.
  • Wear gloves during administration. Capsules should not be broken or opened. Wash hands after administration.
  • Give Atopica for Dogs at least one hour before food or 2 hours after food.
Tip:

Do not remove capsule from blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there may be a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal.

Atopica For Dogs Dosage for Dogs: (Over 6 months of age)

Dogs: (Over 6 months of age)
Weight Dosage
4-6.5 lbs Give one 10 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
6.6-9 lbs Give two 10 mg capsules orally as a single dose once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
9.1-16 lbs Give one 25 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
16.1-33 lbs Give one 50 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
33.1-64 lbs Give one 100 mg capsule orally once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
64.1-79 lbs Give one 100 mg capsule AND one 50 mg capsule orally as a single dose once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
79.1-121 lbs Give two 100 mg capsules orally as a single dose once a day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.
Atopica For Dogs Dosage for Cats:
Cats
Do not use!
Atopica For Dogs Dosage for Horses:
Horses
Do not use!

Storage:

Store at room temperature away from children and pets.

Ingredients
plus minus

Atopica for Dogs Ingredients:

Atopica Green for Dogs 4-9 lbs:
Active IngredientsAmount
Cyclosporine10mg
Atopica Yellow for Dogs 9.1-16 lbs:
Active IngredientsAmount
Cyclosporine25 mg
Atopica Purple for Dogs 16.1-33 lbs
Active Ingredients:Amount
Cyclosporine50 mg
Atopica Blue for Dogs 33.1-64 lbs
Active Ingredients:Amount
Cyclosporine100 mg
Q&A
plus minus
1. Is Atopica a Cyclosporine?
Answer
Cyclosporine is generic to Atopica and has been proven to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs. The medication is formulated to help reduce the constant scratching, rubbing, and licking by your dog. However, the medicine requires a prescription from an experienced veterinarian. The medication is effective for both cats and dogs 6 months or older, weighing 4 lbs and more. The drug is effective in reducing itching and skin lesions.
2. Is Atopica Better Than Apoquel?
Answer
Yes, Atopica is better than Apoquel in its application. Atopica is designed to treat the immune system because of the itch. This makes it more effective when preventing infections like skin and ear and the resulting itch. On the other hand, Apoquel suppresses the itch and doesn't treat the underlying issue, which makes it a temporary relief system rather than a treatment. Atopica is considered an immunomodulatory drug by specialists. Apoquel, on the other hand, is simply a medication inhibiting the nerve response of itch to the immune stimulation.
3. How Quickly Does Atopica Work?
Answer
Atopica is a medication designated to treat various allergies and other dermatitis conditions in dogs and cats. The medicine needs at least two weeks to start working. After that, it may take as long as four to six weeks to show visible signs of improvement in the skin condition. After four to six weeks, the dosage should be gradually decreased to every alternate day. Atopica is an oral medication formulated as gelatin capsules filled with liquid or simply as an oral liquid. The recommended dosage is one or two times a day, an hour or two after a meal. While it's not suggested to give the medication with a meal, you can give a small amount of food or treat with it for positive reinforcement as the medicine itself is quite bitter, and your dog won't like the taste of it.
4. Is Atopica Safe?
Answer
Atopica, when taken in moderation, is safe for most dogs. However, FDA has listed several side effects of the oral use of this particular medication. Some of these include headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, swollen and bleeding gums, kidney failure, cancer, hypertension, immune suppression, and in some extreme cases, death. Considering the severeness of some of these side effects, it's best to treat your dog with Atopica only after consulting an experienced veterinarian.
5. Can You Stop Atopica?
Answer
The recommended dose of Atopica is 5mg per kg of body weight every day. The medication is administered as a single daily dose for four to six months. Once the initial treatment days are over and your dog shows improvement, the dosing must be gradually weaned by decreasing the frequency to every alternate day or twice a week. Don't stop the medication unless your vet instructs you to do so, as it may cause severe health issues.
6. Does Atopica Expire?
Answer
It's recommended to store Atopica in the original container at room temperature between 59-degree and 77-degree F. Once you have opened the container of the medication, you must use the contents within 60 days for the 5ml packaging and within 11 weeks for the 17ml container. To ensure the optimal shelf life of the medicine, make sure that you close the bottle with the child-proof screw cap after every use.
7. Why Do You Have to Wear Gloves With Atopica?
Answer
Atopica is an immunosuppressant and increases the risk of infection for animals and humans alike when contacted. When on this medication, pets are more exposed to infection and are required to avoid other animals or people with contagious diseases or disorders. This is the main reason behind cancer being one of the side effects of this medication. This is why pet parents are advised to wash their hands after applying Atopica to their pets. For more protection, it's recommended to wear latex gloves while administering this medication.
8. Is Atopica Prescription Only?
Answer
Atopica is a prescription medication used to control skin conditions in dogs. The medicine targets the immune system response that causes itching and inflammation. Since it's an immunosuppressant and has severe side effects, pet parents can purchase it only through a vet's prescription. Moreover, a vet would guide you through the doses and type of the medication to keep your pet safe when its immunity is suppressed.
9. Should You Freeze Atopica?
Answer
Atopica is available in two formulations, namely capsules and oral liquid. The former can be stored at room temperature in a cold and dry place. Pet parents can also freeze the pills to reduce the nausea side effects of the medicine. Frozen capsules will last up to 28 days after they have been frozen. The oral liquid, on the other hand, should not be refrigerated or frozen at all. The liquid will be safe for consumption for up to 60 days from opening the bottle.

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