Product details
Apoquel Chewable is a pork liver flavored chewable tablet used for the control of itching associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
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Apoquel Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet) is a revolutionary oral medicine for dogs with allergic itch. Apoquel can be used short-term or for long-term maintenance therapy²,³ in dogs 12 months of age and older. Apoquel Chewable is expected to provide comparable efficacy to Apoquel Tablet after the first dose, and comparable safety to Apoquel Tablet.⁴,⁵
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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.
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If your dog is scratching, licking, or chewing like crazy, you want to provide fast, effective relief. Apoquel Chewable controls it within 24 hours².
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Can be used with many other medications² including: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 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.
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Apoquel Chewable comes in 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, and 16 mg based on your dog’s body weight. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for dosing as prescribed. You can administer to your dog orally once a day. Apoquel Chewable is a tasty pork-liver flavor.
Apoquel Chewable controls itching (pruritus) associated with allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. Apoquel is the #1 prescribed oral medicine for allergic itch and Apoquel Tablet is #1 in pet owner and vet satisfaction for oral medications for allergic itch in dogs.¹,⁷,⁸* Apoquel goes right to the source to help stop itching and relieve associated inflammation in affected canines controlling itch within 24 hours.² Apoquel is given twice daily for up to 14 days, and then given once daily for maintenance therapy. You can use for both short-term or long-term therapy in your dog and discontinue use without tapering. Since Apoquel is neither a steroid nor an antihistamine, your dog will avoid many of the unpleasant side effects that are often associated with them. In a 5-year safety review, the most common individual side effects reported with Apoquel were vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and bloodwork changes.⁹ The most common reported side-effects occurred at a rate of less than one dog reacting out of 10,000 dogs treated.¹⁰ Apoquel Chewable is a pork-liver flavor designed to taste good and make administration easier if your dog is difficult to pill. It's scored and comes in three strengths. Both Apoquel Tablet and Apoquel Chewable are available by prescription only. Talk to your veterinarian about which is best for your dog.
References:
*Vets, n=250, Pet Owners, n=491
1. Data on file, PetTrak Total Unique Patient Count, December 2022, Zoetis Inc. (TI-09437)
2. Data on file: Study Report A161C-US-21-C02, Zoetis Inc., 2022 (TI-09898)
3. 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. doi:10.1111/vde.12194 (AR-01949)
4. Data on file: Study Report A461N-US-21-B66, Zoetis Inc. 2022
5. FOI Apoquel Chewable FOI Summary: 2023/06/09 Original NADA 141-555 (v2.0).
6. Gonzales AJ, Bowman JW, Fici GJ, et al. Oclacitinib (APOQUEL) is a novel Janus kinase inhibitor with activity against cytokines involved in allergy. J Vet Pharmacol Therapy. 2014;37(4)317-24. doi:10.1111/jvp.12101 (AR-00542)
7. Data on file, Apoquel Cytopoint Vet Tracker Wave 11 (December 20 2018) (TI-04447)
8. Data on file, APOQUEL/CYTOPOINT Pet Owner Tracker Wave 11, 2022, Zoetis Inc. (TI- 08418)
9. Data on file. A Five-Year Post-Approval Safety Review for Apoquel® in the US (May 2013 to August 2018), Zoetis Inc (TI-04506)
10. Volume 6C Summary of the Product Characteristics: SPC European Commission, Brussels. 1 Vol. 6C. July 10, 2006, 1-11. (AR-08728)
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For
Dogs (12 months of age and older)
Active ingredient(s)
Oclacitinib maleate
Inactive ingredients
Complete inactive ingredients list not provided by manufacturer.
Brand name
Apoquel Chewable
Drug class
Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor, Immunomodulator
Product flavoring
Apoquel Chewable tablets are pork liver flavored.
*Contains hydrolyzed pork liver flavor, soy
Manufacturer
Zoetis
Product strength & size
This product is available in multiple strengths and sizes; please select the appropriate option for your pet as recommended by your veterinarian.
For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.
Usage
Apoquel Chewable tablets should be given orally as directed by your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian if your pet’s condition does not improve or worsens after starting this medication.
This medication can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits or appears unwell after receiving a dose on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
Missed doses
Administer the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (68 to 77°F, excursions permitted between 59 and 104°F). Remaining half tablets should be stored in the original package and used for the next dose. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container and out of the reach of children and pets. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
Side effects
This medication is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects with this medication are diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and lethargy. These effects usually decrease and resolve over time.
Other reported side effects include (but may not be limited to) elevated liver enzymes, dermatitis, seizures, and increased thirst.
This medication may increase your pet’s susceptibility to infection, including demodicosis, and exacerbation of neoplastic conditions.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of an infection (e.g., increased itching, bleeding or oozing skin sores, painful urination, etc.), any new and abnormal skin changes/growths, or enlargement of existing skin masses.
Notify your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the effects described above, or if you notice any other side effects that are persistent or troublesome.
If you notice anything unusual, please consult your veterinarian.
Precautions
Approved for use in dogs only- not for human use.
Do NOT administer this medication to dogs less than 12 months of age, or those with serious infections. Do NOT administer this medication to breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals.
Use with caution in animals with recurrent or preexisting conditions including demodicosis, urinary tract infection, severe infections, and cancer.
Wash your hands immediately after handling this medication. In case of accidental eye contact, flush immediately with water or saline for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
Do not administer to animals with a known history or suspected allergy/hypersensitivity to this medication or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Be sure to inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known drug sensitivities or allergies.
If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways, difficulty breathing, agitation, profuse salivation, and widespread hives or itching.
Drug and food interactions
This medication should be used with caution in animals receiving any other medications that may suppress the immune system.
The following drugs* may have potential interactions with this medication: corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate.
*NOTE: this may not be a comprehensive list. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Please ensure your veterinarian is aware of all medications and supplements that your pet is currently receiving. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple medications, even if a potential drug interaction may occur. In these instances, your veterinarian may adjust the dosages or monitor your pet more closely.
Adverse reactions
If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact the manufacturer Zoetis at 1-888-963-8471 or Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.
Last revised: 5/01/2025