Apoquel® Tablets for Dogs for Allergic Itch Relief

What Apoquel® Is and How It Works

Apoquel® (oclacitinib) is a veterinary oral tablet used for dogs to control pruritus from allergic dermatitis and to manage atopic dermatitis. It is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that helps reduce itch and skin inflammation by targeting key cytokine pathways. Many pet owners choose to buy apoquel online for value and convenience when refilling a valid prescription.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. We work with licensed and vetted partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications at value‑focused pricing.

Apoquel is available as scored tablets in multiple strengths, including 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, and 16 mg. Tablets are given by mouth and can be administered with or without food. Apoquel acts quickly on itch signals, which helps improve comfort while other long‑term skin care plans are developed with the veterinarian.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: Typical starting dose is 0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for up to 14 days.
• Maintenance: After the initial period, switch to once‑daily dosing at 0.4–0.6 mg/kg.
• Tablet strengths: 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, and 16 mg tablets allow weight‑based dosing. Tablets are scored for splitting if needed to match the prescribed dose.
• Administration: Give by mouth with or without food. Provide fresh water at all times.
• Consistency: Aim for the same time each day during maintenance dosing.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Monitoring: Observe for skin improvement, reduced scratching, and any new infections or adverse effects. Follow veterinary guidance on rechecks.
• Age: Approved for dogs 12 months and older.

• Storage: Keep tablets in the original packaging at 15–30°C (59–86°F), dry and protected from light.
• Handling: Wash hands after handling tablets. Keep away from children and other pets.
• Travel: Carry a copy of the prescription and keep tablets in a secure container.
• Heat/cold: Do not expose to temperatures above 30°C (86°F) or freeze.
• Organization: When traveling, pack enough tablets for the full trip plus a few extra days.
• Refills: Use order history to plan refills ahead to avoid gaps in therapy.

Benefits and Savings

Apoquel reduces itch within hours and helps control underlying allergic and atopic inflammation. This supports better sleep, fewer skin self‑traumas, and improved quality of life. Oral tablets make dosing straightforward for most households, and scored tablets support accurate weight‑based dosing. Apoquel can be used alongside skin care plans that include bathing, flea control, and infection treatment.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices when filling Apoquel through CanadianInsulin. If price is a concern, discuss tablet strength and maintenance dose with the veterinarian to help balance Apoquel cost and clinical goals.

Looking for extra value? See our promotions page for current offers, including any apoquel coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy.
• Skin/ear/urinary infections have been reported, including pyoderma and otitis externa.
• Demodicosis (mange) has occurred in some dogs.
• New skin masses or changes in existing masses have been reported.
• Lab changes can include mild decreases in white blood cells.
• Hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon but possible.

Serious or rare risks include increased susceptibility to infections due to immunomodulation, worsening of pre‑existing neoplasia, or development of demodicosis. Do not use in dogs less than 12 months old. Not for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Avoid use in dogs with serious infections; treat infections before starting. Use caution with other immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, cyclosporine). Vaccination responses may be affected; consult the veterinarian on vaccine timing.

Onset Time

Apoquel begins to reduce itch in about 4 hours for many dogs, with meaningful relief often seen by 24 hours. Skin healing and hair regrowth need more time. Improvements in lesions and sleep typically build over 2–4 weeks as inflammation stabilizes and secondary infections are addressed. Regular maintenance dosing supports continued control.

Compare With Alternatives

Cytopoint (lokivetmab) is a monoclonal antibody injection given about every 4–8 weeks in many dogs. It targets IL‑31, a key itch cytokine. It may be preferred for dogs that cannot take oral tablets or where owners want longer dosing intervals.

Atopica (cyclosporine) is an oral calcineurin inhibitor for atopic dermatitis. It can help control inflammation but often takes longer to show benefits. Some dogs experience gastrointestinal side effects during initiation.

Short steroid courses (e.g., prednisone) can reduce severe flare‑ups quickly but have broader systemic effects. Many dermatology plans limit steroid exposure and transition to targeted options like Apoquel for maintenance.

Combination Therapy

• Flea control to remove bite‑induced triggers of itch.
• Antibiotics or antifungals when secondary skin or ear infections are present.
• Medicated baths and gentle skin care to restore the barrier.
• Essential fatty acids or prescription diets aimed at skin support.
• Antihistamines in selected dogs for added comfort.
• Use caution if combining with systemic steroids or cyclosporine; overlapping immunosuppression may increase infection risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Apoquel is intended for dogs with allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis and is labeled for those 12 months and older. It is not for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Dogs with serious active infections should be stabilized before starting. Discuss any history of recurrent infections, demodicosis, or neoplasia with the veterinarian before use.

Dogs with complex allergies may also need environmental control, strict flea prevention, and treatment of secondary infections to achieve stable skin health. Regular rechecks help refine the dose and address triggers. If persistent signs occur, veterinarians may consider intradermal testing, serum allergy testing, or adding injections like Cytopoint.

To manage Apoquel price over time, some customers choose multi‑month orders when appropriate, which can reduce shipping frequency. Using the prescribed strength that aligns with the maintenance dose can also help control Apoquel cost. CanadianInsulin lists apoquel for sale online in commonly used pack sizes, including apoquel 16mg tablets, as well as 3.6 mg and 5.4 mg options for weight‑based regimens.

Authoritative Sources

• Zoetis Petcare: Apoquel product information
• Zoetis Canada: Apoquel Product Monograph (PDF)

Order Apoquel from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always follow the prescribing veterinarian’s directions and read the manufacturer’s labeling.