Apoquel Chewable 5.4mg

What This Medication Is Used For

Apoquel Chewable (oclacitinib) is a prescription medication veterinarians use to help control itching linked to allergic skin disease in dogs over 12 months of age.

Conditions it is used for
• Itching (pruritus) associated with allergic dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis in eligible dogs

Typical symptoms before treatment
• Ongoing scratching, licking, chewing, or rubbing
• Red, irritated skin
• Flare ups that interfere with comfort and sleep

When veterinarians commonly prescribe it
• When allergy itch keeps returning
• When symptom control is needed as part of a broader skin plan
• When your vet wants a different option that targets itch signalling.

How It Works

Apoquel Chewable helps reduce itch and inflammation by blocking specific signals involved in the itch response. It does not remove allergens. Your veterinarian may still recommend trigger control, parasite prevention, skin care, and treatment for secondary infections when needed.

How it differs from older or alternative treatments

Some older options mainly work by causing drowsiness, and some anti-inflammatory medicines have broader effects in the body. Apoquel is often selected when a veterinarian wants a more targeted approach to itch signalling, based on your dog’s history and current medications and vaccines.

Why vets use it for ongoing management

Allergic skin disease can require follow-up over time. Apoquel may be part of that plan if your veterinarian determines ongoing control is appropriate, and longer-term monitoring of your dog is available.

Dosage and Strength Information

Dosage is determined by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian sets the dose and schedule based on your dog’s weight, diagnosis, and medical history. Do not change how you give this medication without veterinary direction.

What this specific strength is generally prescribed for:

The 5.4 mg chewable strength is often chosen when a veterinarian needs a mid-range chewable tablet to match a dog’s prescribed plan. It may also help with fine adjustments when a veterinarian is aligning treatment to a specific patient.

Chewable strengths:
• Apoquel Chewable 3.6 mg
• Apoquel Chewable 16 mg

Tablet strengths:
• Apoquel 3.6 mg
• Apoquel 16 mg

Safety Information and Possible Side Effects

Side effects vary by dog. Vomiting and diarrhea are among the more commonly reported adverse reactions. Decreased appetite and lethargy have also been reported. May increase susceptibility to infection, exasperation of existing and new skin growth has been reported.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
• Vomiting or diarrhea that does not settle
• Reduced appetite, marked tiredness, or behaviour changes
• Worsening skin or ear infections, fever, or new skin lumps
• Any sudden change that concerns you

Age, health, or species limitations
Apoquel is indicated for dogs that meet prescribing criteria and is not for use in dogs under 12 months of age. It is also not for use in dogs with serious infections, evidence of immune suppression, or evidence of malignant neoplasia. It is not for use in breeding dogs, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Your veterinarian will review risks based on your dog’s medical history.

Prescription Requirements in Canada

A valid veterinary prescription is required by law in Canada for prescription medications. The prescription must come from an accredited clinic in Canada and be written by a licensed veterinarian practicing in Canada.

How prescription upload and verification works
• Your veterinarian can call or fax the prescription to the pharmacy
• You can request that the pharmacy contact your veterinarian for authorisation
• We must have the original in our possession prior to releasing medication, even if a copy is attached to the order. Please mail in the original or bring it in when picking up.

Orders for prescription medication do not ship until valid authorisation is received and verified. Prescription items also need to be associated with a pet profile at checkout.

Shipping and Fulfilment Information

Prescription approval is required before fulfilment. Orders ship within Canada by Canada Post, with service options selected at checkout.

What to expect
• Orders containing prescription items require proof of delivery, and may be carded for pick up at your local postal outlet
• The person picking up may need ID that matches the shipping information
• You receive tracking after the parcel ships
• A staff member contacts you after your order is complete to review your total and discuss payment options
• You are charged when the order is assembled and ready to ship
• If the item is not in stock, shipping may be delayed while the pharmacy orders it in

Pricing notes:
Price is listed per chewable tablet. A dispensing fee applies. Standard package size is 100.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Apoquel Chewable 5.4 mg require a prescription?
   Yes. The pharmacy must receive and verify a valid prescription from a licensed Canadian veterinarian before shipping.

2. Can I request that the pharmacy contact my vet for authorisation?
   Yes. You can choose that option during checkout, and the pharmacy can request authorisation from your clinic.

3. Why do I need to add a pet profile before checkout?
   Prescription items must be linked to a specific pet so the pharmacy can match the prescription and dispense appropriately.

4. Is the chewable version different from Apoquel tablets?
   The form is different, chewable versus tablet, but both contain oclacitinib. Your veterinarian decides which form fits your dog’s plan.

5. What should I do if my dog vomits after starting this medication?
   Contact your veterinarian, especially if vomiting continues, appetite drops, or your dog seems unusually tired.