Help with the itchies.......

[ashleere]

Here's some info on Atopica. It's kinda long.





What is Atopica?

Atopica is a soft capsule used to treat atopic dermatitis (commonly called skin allergies) in dogs. Signs of skin allergies include scratching, licking, gnawing, chewing, skin infections, hair loss, terrible odor, and sleepless nights. Atopica requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For: Dogs (at least 6 months of age and weighing at least 4 pounds)
Benefits:
• Significantly reduces itching and skin lesions
• Proven effective in most dogs
• Allows you to control your dog’s problem without steroids
• Safe to use over long periods without the serious side effects usually associated with steroids


How it works:
Atopica targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. You usually only administer one dose a day to control symptoms, but many dogs can be effectively controlled with every-other-day or twice-weekly dosing.

Cautions:
There are many possible drug interactions. Be sure to tell your veterinarian what other medications your pet is currently using. Give Atopica at least one hour before food or 2 hours after food.

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More Information:


Brand Name
Atopica (Novartis)

Generic Name
Cyclosporine Modified capsule
What is the most important information I should know about Atopica: Notify your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops fever or chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, pale stools, or darkened urine. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

What is Atopica: Atopica (cyclosporine modified) is an immunosuppressant available by prescription. Atopica is FDA approved for use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 6 months of age and at least 4 pounds. Atopica is available in 15 capsule blister packs in strengths of 10mg for dogs 4 to 9 pounds, 25mg for dogs 9.1 to 16 pounds, 50mg for dogs16.1 to 33 pounds and 100mg for dogs 33.1 to 64 lbs. For dogs 64.1 to 79 pounds give a combination of one 100mg capsule and one 50mg capsule as a single dose. For dogs 79.1 to 121 pounds give two 100mg capsules as a single dose. Atopica is given once a day to start until satisfactory improvement is seen, usually 4 to 8 weeks. The medication can then be given every other day until the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are satisfactorily controlled, then the medication can be given every 3 or 4 days.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Atopica: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, high blood pressure, a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, or any other serious or chronic condition. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating, and if you plan to breed your pet.

How should this medication be given: Give Atopica exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to explain them to you. Always give Atopica 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Do not remove a capsule from the blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there is a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal. Your veterinarian may want your pet to have regularly scheduled blood tests during treatment to monitor effectiveness and side effects. Store Atopica at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.

What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.

What should I avoid while giving Atopica to my pet: The safe use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been determined. Do not use Atopica in dogs with known allergy to the medication. The drug should not be used in dogs with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and certain blood disorders. Prolonged use of Atopica can result in bacterial or fungal infection related to a decreased effect of the immune system.

What are the possible side effects of Atopica: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Atopica and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, and hives). Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Atopica and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, soft stools or diarrhea, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and change of hair coat. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

What other drugs will affect Atopica: There are many drug/drug interactions that occur when taking Atopica. Tell your veterinarian what medications your pet is currently using and any new products, including herbal remedies you may start to give. Drug/drug interactions could cause a decrease in effectiveness or an increase in side effects of either Atopica or the other medication being given. Examples of medications that may cause drug/drug interactions are; SMZ-TMP (Bactrim, Septra), gentamicin, etodolac (EtoGesic), piroxicam (Feldene), ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), itraconoazole (Sporanox), methylprednisolone (Medrol), erythromycin, Allopurinol (Zyloprim), metoclopramide (Reglan), prednisOLOne, digoxin (Lanoxin), any type of vaccination.

Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Atopica written for health professionals that you can read.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Wow! Are you sure you shouldn't try non invasive ways first? What I mean is trying a differnet food or shampoo and conditioner? After months of complaining how Hot Rod was itching, my first vet finally came up with a diagnose of ringworm. Well, long story short and a new vet later, I switched to a medicated shampoo and medicated conditioner and he got better.

It's a whole lot cheaper as well. I am glad that I got a second opinion because the medication she wanted to put him on could have affected his liver. Good luck.

[ashleere]

I know what you mean. My dh said the same thing. I will get a second opinion first.

[Nancy1999]

Sounds like a great product, and some dogs need something like that because the really do chew the hair off the legs, and gnaw at the skin, but has the vet seen your dog? This just sounds stronger than why you described the problem to be.

Sounds like a great product, and some dogs need something like that because the really do chew the hair off the legs, and gnaw at the skin, but has the vet seen your dog? This just sounds stronger than what you described the problem to be. This would be my last resort, not my first.

[Koran]

My Sparkle has been itching for quite some time and we are working on getting it under control. Been to vets, they offer temp relief and then we are back to square one. We tried DYNOVITE which has mad a difference. The bed sheets and comforter are washed with FREE detergents because that was irritaing. She has no rash, no hot spots just itches all the time and was breaking hair. This has slowed down and I found a food that works but that is going to be another thread. It was a sample and cant remember what it was, hubby threw the empty bag away.

[manolos mom]

I was at the vet yesterday because my Scottie has allergies,ears and skin. She put him on FISH OIL supplements 180 mg. (EPA). She said this will improve his itching and help give him a nice coat...He weighs 24 pounds so it would have to be a lower dose for our Yorkies..

[ashleere]

Is there a name for the fish oil? Where do I get it. I will try anything at this point. He sleep right next to me in his bed and when he wakes up itching in the middle of the night it wakes me up. I cannot go back to sleep and I am just as exhausted as he is. I am going to take him for a second opinion next week. But in the meantime any relief would be great.

[ashleere]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Sounds like a great product, and some dogs need something like that because the really do chew the hair off the legs, and gnaw at the skin, but has the vet seen your dog? This just sounds stronger than why you described the problem to be.

Sounds like a great product, and some dogs need something like that because the really do chew the hair off the legs, and gnaw at the skin, but has the vet seen your dog? This just sounds stronger than what you described the problem to be. This would be my last resort, not my first.

He has seen his vet a few times for this. He has given him steriod shots but I really don't like that idea. If the second vet says to try the medication then we will. I'm not too bothered by the cost so much as I am the side affects.

[Stella's mom]

I have been giving Stella Atopica at least a year, she takes a 10 mg tablet every other day now. You have to give it daily for at least 30 days to be effective, then you may be able to decrease. The 10mg tablets come in pkgs of 15 tablets and my vet charges 30.00 per pack. We have had some tummy issues so I would suggest you give the med at least 3 to 5 hours after eating. You may want to try Relief Shampoo, I purchase it at the vet but you can also buy over the web

Relief Shampoo: Pet Shampoo, Shampoo for Cats & Dogs - 1800PetMeds

[MaddiesMommie]

Good Luck with this Ashleere.
I know how exhausting something like this can be. I hope he finds relief soon. Maddie has dry skin in the winter months but it is controlled with medicated shampoo and leave in conditioning spray for skin and coat. I use this heavily 3-4 times a week.
I can relate to her though because this time of year is brutal on my skin too!

I LOVE MADDIE-CAKES!

[chestermama]

chester has very sensitive skin and enviromential allergies, I use salmon oil on his wet food, laundry soap has no dyes or perfumes same with dryer sheets. Im using the biogroom fluffy puppy tearless shampoo and he has done well with it. I will also rinse him off sometimes with some lukewarm water. I have also used apple cider vinegar mixed with water and that has helped depending on the severity of their skin condition. They have sensitive skin dont they, how about some natural oils, they can help people and pets. Good Luck

[chestermama]

I use grizzly salmon oil it is out of wshington state, how much you give is according to their weight.

[manolos mom]

The fish oil we are using is called SKIN FORNULA 3V CAPS. The Vet sold it to me but she said I could buy more at CVS OR Walgreens but to make sure it says EPA. She said some fish oils contain lots of Junk and this is a pure oil. It says on the side of bottle Omega -3 fatty acid(EPA AND DHA) with vitamins A D AND E. Guess what, not itching since he started taking this.

[manolos mom]

Oh and when I rescued him a couple of years ago the rescue group told me to give him a can of sardines once a week which he LOVES. The Vet told me thats not enough fish oil. The caps where better. You can break it open and pour it on their food or just give the the cap. Good Luck..

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by ashleere

He has seen his vet a few times for this. He has given him steriod shots but I really don't like that idea. If the second vet says to try the medication then we will. I'm not too bothered by the cost so much as I am the side affects.

I agree, I dont like the steriod shots either. They only work temporary.