Atopica is the brand name for ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant drug used to treat atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) in dogs and cats. Manufactured by Elanco, it has been a mainstay of allergy treatment for over 15 years, though newer options like Apoquel and Cytopoint have become popular alternatives.

Price Comparison

Atopica capsules (medium dog, 25–50mg daily):

  • From your vet: £40–£80 per month
  • Online pharmacies (with prescription): £22–£50 per month
  • Generic ciclosporin: £15–£40 per month from online pharmacies
  • Prescription fee: £10–£25 (valid for 6 months)

Savings of 40–60% are typical when buying from online pharmacies. Generic ciclosporin is even cheaper than branded Atopica and equally effective.

What Does Atopica Treat?

Atopica is licensed for the treatment of chronic allergic dermatitis in dogs and cats. It reduces the immune system's overreaction to allergens, thereby reducing itching, redness, and skin infections. It is available for both dogs (capsules) and cats (oral solution).

Species and Forms

  • Dogs: Capsules in 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg sizes
  • Cats: Atopica for Cats — oral solution (100mg/ml), typically dosed at 7mg/kg daily

Side Effects

  • Vomiting and diarrhoea — common in the first 1–2 weeks, usually resolves. Giving with food or freezing capsules can help
  • Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth) — with long-term use
  • Increased susceptibility to infections — due to immune suppression
  • Rare papillomas (wart-like growths)
  • Should not be used in animals with a history of malignant tumours

Prescription Requirements

Atopica is POM-V. You need a veterinary prescription, but you can then buy it from any pharmacy. Ask your vet for a written prescription — they are legally required to provide one — and compare prices at online pharmacies.

How to Save

  • Written prescription: Buy from online pharmacies and save 40–60% compared to vet prices
  • Generic ciclosporin: Ask your vet about switching from branded Atopica to generic ciclosporin for further savings
  • Dose reduction: Many dogs can reduce to every-other-day dosing once symptoms are controlled — discuss with your vet
  • Compare pharmacy prices: Use VetCost to compare medication prices across pharmacies

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: VMD product datasheet, CMA provisional decision (October 2025), VetCost pharmacy data.