Apoquel for Dogs
Prices, Side Effects & Alternatives
The UK's most prescribed allergy medication for dogs. Stops itching within hours. Save up to 55% by buying online with a prescription.
Buy Apoquel at UK pharmacy prices
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same Apoquel your vet prescribes, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription (capped at £21 under the CMA Order, from 2027), then fill it online.
Affiliate link to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
What is Apoquel (Oclacitinib)?
Apoquel is a targeted allergy medication manufactured by Zoetis. Its active ingredient, oclacitinib, is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that specifically blocks the JAK1 enzyme pathway responsible for transmitting itch and inflammation signals.
Unlike steroids (prednisolone) which suppress the entire immune system and cause widespread side effects, Apoquel targets the specific itch pathway. It begins working within 4 hours of the first dose and provides significant itch reduction within 24 hours. This speed of action makes it transformative for dogs suffering from severe allergic itching.
Apoquel is available in three tablet strengths (3.6 mg, 5.4 mg and 16 mg) and is given twice daily for the first 14 days, then once daily for maintenance. It is licensed for dogs aged 12 months and over. Apoquel is one of the most expensive ongoing medications for dog owners, making online purchasing with a prescription particularly worthwhile for savings.
Begins reducing itch within 4 hours of first dose
JAK1 inhibitor — targets itch without broad immune suppression
£500-£1,500+/year at the vet — huge savings online
Apoquel Dosage by Weight
Dose: 0.4-0.6 mg/kg. Twice daily for 14 days, then once daily.
Side Effects & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- • Vomiting and diarrhoea
- • Decreased appetite
- • Lethargy
- • Increased susceptibility to minor infections
- • Skin infections (pyoderma)
Long-term Concerns
- • Potential increased tumour risk with long use
- • Increased susceptibility to demodex mites
- • Bone marrow suppression (rare)
- • Papillomas (viral warts) more common
- • Urinary tract infections
Important Warnings
Not for dogs under 12 months: Apoquel is not licensed for puppies under 1 year as the immune system is still developing.
Immune suppression: Apoquel partially suppresses the immune system. Dogs on long-term treatment may be more prone to infections. Regular vet check-ups are essential.
Regular blood tests: Your vet should monitor liver and kidney function with regular blood work, especially for long-term use.
Apoquel Price Comparison
Apoquel is one of the most expensive ongoing dog medications. Online savings are substantial.
Apoquel 3.6 mg — 100 tablets
Apoquel 5.4 mg — 100 tablets
Apoquel 16 mg — 100 tablets
Huge annual savings: A 25 kg dog on maintenance Apoquel (one 16 mg tablet daily) uses ~365 tablets per year. At vet prices that is £650-£1,100. Buying online: £365-£620. Annual saving: £285-£480 even after the £21 prescription fee. Apoquel is one of the biggest money-savers for online purchasing.
Alternatives to Apoquel
Cytopoint Injection
Monthly injection given at the vet. Targets IL-31 (itch protein) without suppressing the immune system. Around £60-£120 per injection. No tablets to give. May be preferred for dogs with immune concerns. See our Cytopoint guide.
Prednisolone (Steroids)
Very cheap (£5-£15/month) and effective for itch. However, steroids cause significant side effects with long-term use: weight gain, increased thirst/urination, muscle weakness, diabetes risk. Best for short-term flare-ups only.
Piriton (Chlorphenamine)
OTC antihistamine. Much cheaper than Apoquel but far less effective for canine allergies. May work for mild seasonal allergies. Often tried first before escalating to Apoquel. See our Piriton for dogs guide.
Immunotherapy (Desensitisation)
Allergy testing followed by a personalised vaccine course. Aims to reduce the allergic response over time. Takes 6-12 months to see results but can reduce or eliminate the need for Apoquel. Costs £500-£1,000 for the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apoquel treats allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs, rapidly controlling itching, redness and inflammation. It works within 4 hours and significantly reduces itching within 24 hours.
Apoquel costs £1.50-£3.00 per tablet at a vet. Online retailers sell it for £0.80-£1.80 per tablet. For a medium dog on long-term Apoquel, annual savings of £200-£400+ are typical by buying online.
Apoquel is licensed for long-term use but partially suppresses the immune system. Regular vet check-ups and blood tests are recommended. There are concerns about increased infection susceptibility and potential tumour risk.
Apoquel is a daily tablet that blocks JAK1 itch signals. Cytopoint is a monthly injection that neutralises IL-31 itch protein. Both work but Cytopoint does not suppress the immune system the way Apoquel does.
No. Apoquel is POM-V in the UK. You need a vet prescription (maximum £21 fee) which you can use at any UK-registered online retailer.
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Save hundreds on Apoquel
Apoquel is one of the most expensive ongoing dog medications. Buying online with a prescription can save you £200-£400+ per year.