What is Atopica (cyclosporine oral solution) for Cats?

Atopica for Cats is an oral solution used to control feline allergic dermatitis (allergic skin disease) as seen as broken skin, including facial and neck (miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic plaques, and self-induced alopecia). Signs of allergic skin disease include itching, chewing, licking, skin lesions and hair loss. Some cats may develop lesions that may even appear on the face and neck. Atopica requires a prescription from your veterinarian. For atopic dermatitis in dogs, we recommend Atopica for Dogs.

For:

Cats (at least 6 months of age and weighing at least 3 pounds)

Benefits:

• Controls feline allergic dermatitis
• Significantly reduces itching and skin lesions
• Comes in an easy-to-administer liquid formulation and includes oral syringe
• Most cats find the taste acceptable, but can be mixed with food

How it works:

Atopica for Cats is an oral solution that works by calming and soothing allergic skin conditions such as feline allergic dermatitis. It contains cyclosporine which stops the itching by blocking white blood cells from organizing and responding to infection. The oral solution is usually very well tolerated by cats and becomes easily absorbed in the intestinal tract.

Cautions:

For use in cats only. Do not rinse or clean the oral dosing syringe between uses. Please see the directions inside the Atopica for Cats box to ensure proper technique. Do not give to cats that have a history of cancer, feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus or that are sensitive to cyclosporine. It is an immunosuppressant that may increase susceptibility to infection, development or neoplasia, and decrease response to vaccination. Use with caution in cats with diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency, and with drugs that affect the P-450 enzyme system. For complete safety information, see the product label.

Brand Name:

Atopica for Cats

Generic Name:

Cyclosporine Modified oral solution

What is Atopica for Cats:

Atopica for Cats (cyclosporine modified) is an immunosuppressant available by prescription. Atopica for Cats is FDA approved for use in the treatment of feline allergic dermatitis in cats at least 6 months of age and weighing at least 3 pounds. Atopica for Cats is available as 5ml and 17ml oral solutions and comes with an oral syringe. The usual dose of Atopica for Cats is 3.2 mg/lb (7 mg/kg) orally 1 time a day for 4-6 weeks. Following this, the dose may be tapered to every other day or twice weekly as needed to maintain the therapeutic effect. Dosing of the liquid formulation is accomplished by a syringe that is marked with weight bands for easy dosing.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Atopica for Cats:

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 cat is pregnant or lactating, and if you plan to breed your cat.

How should this medication be given:

Give Atopica for Cats 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 for Cats with food or following a meal. Allow plenty of water for your pet to drink. Store Atopica for Cats at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Wash hands after administration. People with known hypersensitivity should avoid contact with atopica.

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 my pet:

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.

What should I avoid while giving Atopica for Cats to my pet:

The safe use in breeding, pregnant or lactating cats has not been determined. Do not use Atopica for Cats in cats with a known allergy to the medication. The drug should not be used in cats with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and certain blood disorders. Prolonged use of Atopica for Cats can result in bacterial or fungal infection related to a decreased effect of the immune system. During treatment, cats should avoid exposure to toxoplasma gondii.

What are the possible side effects of Atopica for Cats:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Atopica for Cats 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 for Cats and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, soft stools or diarrhea, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, and change of hair coat. Persistent, progressive weight loss may result in hepatic lipidosis; monitoring of body weight is recommended. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What other drugs will affect Atopica for Cats:

There are many drug/drug interactions that occur when taking Atopica for Cats. 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 for Cats 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), itraconazole (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 for Cats written for health professionals that you can read.