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This number is almost equal to the percent of dogs in most studies that experienced vomiting while on the drug, a side effect that is considered common with Apoquel. In fact, in one long term study, 5% of dogs on Apoquel were diagnosed with some form of cancer within 392 days of starting the drug. While there is no evidence that Apoquel itself causes cancer cell growth, it’s not much of a leap to say that your dog is more likely to develop cancer on the drug than if they weren’t taking it. By disrupting the normal activity of the immune system, Apoquel reduces your dog’s ability to fight cancer cells. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise given the way this drug functions. The third listed side effect on the box explains that Apoquel may “exacerbate neoplastic conditions.” This means that in laboratory tests, this drug was found to make preexisting cancers worse. And your dog is no different.īy far, the most worrisome side effect of Apoquel is the potential to increase cancer rates. We often think of our immune system as being responsible for fighting invaders from the outside world, but our immune system also plays a key role in fighting cancer within our bodies. That fact might explain why more surprising side effects like anorexia, lethargy, and increased cholesterol and blood lipase are often seen in dogs on Apoquel. They play a huge role throughout the body.

In all dogs, there is also a potential for bone marrow suppression and reduced white blood cell count.īut kinase pathways aren’t just isolated within the immune system. It is because of the potential for serious infection that this drug cannot be used in dogs under a year of age who naturally have weaker immune systems. The most common infections are Demodex mange, ear infections, and pneumonia. Just like immune-suppressing drugs used in humans, Apoquel is linked to an increased rate of infection in dogs.

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While this leads to a reduction in skin irritation and itchiness, it also interferes with the immune system’s ability to complete other important tasks as effectively. While vomiting and diarrhea are common with many meds, including Apoquel, this drug also comes with its own special list of worrisome side effects.Īpoquel works by disrupting kinase pathways within your dog’s immune system. Once a dog is started on Apoquel, they are usually stuck on the drug for life.īefore you make such a monumental decision about your pup’s healthcare, it’s worth looking at the risks associated with this drug. It’s a drug vets turn to when the cause of their patient's itching can’t be easily determined or has persisted through other treatment options.

Side Effects and Other Pitfalls of ApoquelĪpoquel isn’t a drug meant for acute dermatitis or short term use. In this article, we’ll look at the potential problems associated with Apoquel and discuss the effectiveness of alternate routes to cure your dog’s dermatitis, including natural remedies, possible Apoquel substitutes, and addressing the root cause of the issue. But the good news is, there are safe and effective alternatives out there. Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as picking up a cheaper pill with fewer side effects. It’s these reasons that drive many desperate owners to consider alternatives to Apoquel. Whether it’s to your dog’s health or your wallet. The medication works brilliantly to stop itching, but always at a cost. So many dogs and their owners find themselves in a catch twenty-two with Apoquel. He also bloated up, lost his energy, and became a mere shadow of the dog he once was. But that wasn’t the only change I noticed. Within just a couple weeks, his skin looked less inflamed and the constant itching was noticeably reduced.

Psequel alternative