ATOPICA for Cats is indicated for the control of feline allergic dermatitis. Cats with allergic dermatitis scratch, lick and chew their skin which can cause red, raised crusty bumps, open sores and/or hair loss.
Allergic dermatitis is a common skin disease in cats and is caused by allergens such as house dust mites or pollens which stimulate an exaggerated immune response. The disease is chronic, recurrent, and requires lifelong management.
This summary contains important information about ATOPICA for Cats. You should read this information before starting your cat on ATOPICA for Cats. This sheet is provided only as a summary and does not take the place of instructions from your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian if you do not understand any of this information or you want to know more about ATOPICA for Cats.
What is ATOPICA for Cats?
ATOPICA for Cats is an oral solution of cyclosporine that lowers the immune response. ATOPICA for Cats selectively acts on the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. ATOPICA for Cats reduces the inflammation and itching associated with allergic dermatitis.
What kind of results can I expect when my cat takes ATOPICA for Cats for the control of feline allergic dermatitis?
ATOPICA for Cats should be given daily until improvement is seen. This will generally be the case within 4-6 weeks. You should contact your veterinarian if you are not satisfied with your cat's response. Once the signs of allergic dermatitis are satisfactorily controlled, your veterinarian may reduce the frequency of administration of the product. Dose adjustment should only be carried out in consultation with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will perform a clinical assessment at regular intervals and adjust the frequency of administration up or down according to the clinical response obtained.
What cats should not take ATOPICA for Cats?
Your cat should not be given ATOPICA for Cats if s/he:
- Has a history of cancer or may possibly have cancer currently
- Has been diagnosed with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Is hypersensitive to cyclosporine
What to discuss with your veterinarian before giving ATOPICA for Cats to your cat.
Tell your veterinarian about:
- Any digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea) your cat has had
- Any history of lack of appetite and/or weight loss your cat has had
- Any serious disease or health conditions your cat has had
- Any allergies that your cat has now or has had
- All medications that you are giving your cat or plan to give your cat, including those you can get without prescription (over the counter) and any dietary supplements
- If you plan to breed your cat, or if your cat is pregnant or nursing
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- What tests might be done before ATOPICA for Cats is prescribed
- The potential side effects your cat may experience while taking ATOPICA for Cats
- How often your cat may need to be examined by your veterinarian
- The risks and benefits of using ATOPICA for Cats
What are the possible side effects that may occur in my cat during therapy with ATOPICA for Cats?
ATOPICA for Cats, like all other drugs, may cause some side effects in individual cats. These are normally mild, but serious side effects have been reported in cats taking ATOPICA for Cats. Serious side effects can, in rare situations, result in death. It is important to stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your cat may have a medical problem or side effect while on ATOPICA for Cats. To report adverse effects, access medical information, or obtain additional product information call 1-888-545-5973.
In clinical studies, the most commonly reported side effect was vomiting. In most cases, the vomiting stopped with continued use. Weight loss, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, and drooling were the next most frequent side effects observed.
Persistent, progressive weight loss may be associated with more serious side effects. You should monitor your cat's appetite and body weight. If you think that your cat is losing weight, you should contact your veterinarian.
ATOPICA for Cats may increase susceptibility to infection and to the development of tumors.
ATOPICA for Cats should only be given to cats.
People should not take ATOPICA for Cats. Keep ATOPICA for Cats and all medication out of reach of children. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally swallow ATOPICA for Cats.
How to give ATOPICA for Cats to your cat.
ATOPICA for Cats should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. Your veterinarian will tell you what amount of ATOPICA for Cats is right for your cat. ATOPICA for Cats can be given either mixed with food or directly into the cat's mouth. If given with food, the solution should be mixed with a small amount of food, preferably after a sufficient period of fasting to ensure your cat eats it completely. When given directly into the mouth, insert the oral dosing syringe into the cat's mouth and deliver the entire dose, just after feeding. Whenever possible, you should administer ATOPICA for Cats on a consistent schedule with regard to meals and time of day. Do not change the way you give ATOPICA for Cats to your cat without first speaking with your veterinarian. If a dose is missed, the next dose should be administered (without doubling) as soon as possible, but dosing should be no more frequent than once daily. Do not rinse or clean the oral dosing syringe between uses.
Advice on Correct Administration.
See Instructions for Assembling the Dispensing System and Preparing a Dose of ATOPICA for Cats. If your veterinarian has already assembled the dispensing system, skip the instructions for assembling the dispensing system and follow the instructions for preparing a dose of medicine.
How to Store ATOPICA for Cats.
ATOPICA for Cats should be stored in the original container at room temperature between 59 and 77°F. Once opened, use contents within two months for the 5 mL container and 11 weeks for the 17 mL container.
Special precautions to be taken when administering ATOPICA for Cats.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use smokeless tobacco while handling ATOPICA for Cats.
Wash hands after administration.
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package insert or the label to the physician.
People with known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine should avoid contact with ATOPICA for Cats.
Can ATOPICA for Cats be given with other medications?
ATOPICA for Cats should not be given with other drugs that may lower the immune response.
ATOPICA for Cats has been safely used in conjunction with other common medications. However, interactions with certain medications are possible. Therefore, always tell your veterinarian about all medications that you have given your cat in the past and all medications that you are planning to give with ATOPICA for Cats.
What can I do in case my cat gets more than the prescribed amount of ATOPICA for Cats?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat gets more than the prescribed amount of ATOPICA for Cats.
What else should I know about ATOPICA for Cats?
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoal parasite that cats can become infected with from eating raw meat. Infection may lead to serious illness (clinical toxoplasmosis). Cats that have not been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii may be at risk of developing clinical toxoplasmosis if they become infected while under treatment with ATOPICA for Cats, which can be fatal. To avoid infection keep your cat indoors, do not feed raw meat, and do not allow your cat to hunt.
If your cat becomes seriously ill, consult your veterinarian who will recommend the appropriate treatment.
This sheet provides a summary of information about ATOPICA for Cats. If you have any questions or concerns about ATOPICA for Cats or allergic dermatitis in cats, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medications, ATOPICA for Cats should only be given to the cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given to your cat only for the condition for which it was prescribed, at the prescribed dose, and as directed by your veterinarian.
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