Apoquel is a dangerous and toxic conventional drug used to treat environmental allergies in dogs and cats. It is not meant for long-term use. However, most pets never come off of it.
Apoquel is a suppressant drug that suppresses allergy symptoms in pets. However, it does not CURE the underlying cause of allergies.
Some underlying causes of allergies in pets include liver dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, malnutrition, gut imbalance, or chronic inflammation. Any or all of these underlying dysfunctions can lead to allergies. When the body is experiencing dysfunction, the immune system becomes overstimulated and will identify nonharmful substances such as food as harmful, increasing histamine and inflammation. This results in red, irritated, and itchy skin and, in some cases, ear infections, yeast, fungus, or secondary infections.
Apoquel can cause and contribute to the development and proliferation certain severe conditions, diseases, and disorders in pets, including cancer, tumors, kidney and immune system dysfunction, and liver disease.
The FDA has warned Zoetis, the company that manufactures Apoquel, regarding making and distributing false and misleading claims regarding the drug and downplaying the risks associated with pets taking Apoquel.