Apoquel has been a little miracle drug for many dogs, as has Atopica. They both suppress the immune system in their own way, just by different methodology/pathways. Some dogs aren't going to get relief from their allergies without somehow suppressing part of their immune system - so that's where you have to weigh quality of life. For my Marcel, his QOL isn't good enough w/out Atopica (he also does the sublingual therapy), so I consider Atopica necessary. And, I am interested in trying Apoquel for both Marcel and Wylie (who has seasonal allergies, whereas Marcel is almost year round).
My vet says that the nice thing about Apoquel is that it works for itching within the hour, and lasts about 23 hours -- so you do have to give it every day, and on time or you'll get breakthrough.
Here are some threads on Apoquel:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...s-apoquel.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...allergies.html