Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Allergies in Dogs-A New Approach

A new drug for allergies in dogs recently received approval from the FDA and is on the market.  Apoquel (oclacitbi- Zoeitis) is the first non steroidal drug that has been shown to be as effective as corticosteroids (like prednisone) in relieving itching caused by allergies without the side effects of increased thirst/urination and damage to the adrenal glands (Cushing's disease) from long term use.  Clinical testing of Apoquel revealed a very low percentage of side effects such as vomiting (2.3%  versus 1.8% in the placebo group and diarrhea 2.3% versus 0.9% in the placebo group).




The research breakthrough that led to the development of Apoquel was studies that showed that the major chemicals that are released in the body to stimulate an allergic reactions are cytokines rather than histamine like that which occurs in human allergic reactions.  That is why antihistamines work well in humans but not in dogs.  The research focused on the eventual discovery of anticytokine drugs.  Prior to this development there were no drugs that approached the level of efficacy of corticosteroids.




Since the release of  Apoquel it is now in wide usage, so much that some spot shortages have occurred.