Active Ingredient	Cyclosporin
Manufacturer	Novartis
Origin	Australia
Other Names	N/A
Reference	N/A

What is Atopica (Cyclosporin) used for?

Atopica (Cyclosporin) is an oral medication prescribed to treat atopic dermatitis affecting dogs weighing up to four kilograms. It is an immunosuppressant that operates by reducing the occurrence of immune responses such as scaling skin, swelling, or itchiness that are caused by allergens and associated with this condition. This medication is normally used as a long-term treatment and may take several weeks before the desired effects occur. Your veterinarian may prescribe it to be used along with other medicines or to treat other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Atopica (Cyclosporin)?

Atopica (Cyclosporin) should always be used according to the directions provided by your veterinarian and those included with the packaging to ensure the safest and most effective results. It is typically administered once each day at a dosage of one capsule, but the best regiment will be determined according to the dog's weight, symptoms, current health condition, and response to similar treatments. Never alter these directions as misuse of the medication may lead to serious health problems.

To administer the dose, the capsule should simply be fed to the dog orally once each day for a period of thirty days. After this initial cycle, it may be necessary to taper the frequency of application down to every other day and eventually to two doses each week. The goal is to control the symptoms of atopic dermatitis using the lowest required dosage. Always administer the capsules to your pet on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after eating to prevent nausea from occurring. Give the doses at the same time each day to get the most efficient results by keeping a consistent level of medicine in the system at all times.

Consult the veterinarian regularly while administering this medication to make sure your dog is experiencing the correct results. This will allow its response to the medication to be observed so that the correct adjustments can be made to the regiment including altering the dosage or frequency of application until the best effects are found. If you have any questions about the medicine, ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to make sure you are using it correctly.

What are the side effects of Atopica (Cyclosporin)?

As with any medical treatment, the use of Atopica (Cyclosporin) may cause side effects in some dogs. These will not occur in all animals and can vary greatly in severity. If you notice any unusual symptoms occurring in your pet, immediately inform the veterinarian to make sure the correct response is taken. This may include reducing the dosage or frequency of application to prevent further complications from occurring. If more serious health problems are indicated, emergency medical attention may also be required.

Side effects that may occur include:

• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Drowsiness, fatigue, or weakness
• Stiff joints or mucles
• Loss of appetite
• Change in color of the dog's coat

Please Note

Atopica (Cyclosporin) should not be used in dogs who are breeding, pregnant, lactating, or have blood disorders, stomach ulcers, or kidney disease. You are also recommended to bring your pet in for a medical check-up prior to use to make sure it does not have any other conditions that may cause complications with treatment. These may include reducing the dosage or frequency of administration to prevent potential health problems from occurring. This medication is only meant to be used in dogs and should never be used to treat cats or other animals.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your veterinarian or pharmacist while using Atopica (Cyclosporin). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the animal and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain animals, it is essential you always inform your veterinarian if it is pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if it has any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if it is taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if it has an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.