Atopica for Dogs

Dogs Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Medication

Atopica is used to treat skin allergies, also called atopic dermatitis, in dogs. Atopica soft capsules are effective against the licking, scratching, and gnawing caused by allergic itching, and work to prevent the odor, hair loss, skin infections, and sleepless nights resulting from scratching and chewing.

Benefits of Atopica:

• Effectively minimizes itching and skin sores
• Excellent alternative to steroid medications
• Safe to use for long periods to control chronic allergies
• Improves sleep, minimizes hair loss, and helps prevent potentially dangerous skin infections
• Treats most allergic conditions, including allergies caused by dust mites, pollen, and molds
• Effective in most dogs

For Use In: Dogs weighing at least 4 lbs. that are over the age of 6 months. Use this product only for dogs. Do not give to other animals.

Keep out of reach of children. Do not allow children to administer Atopica. Read directions and precautionary statements before use.

The typical initial daily dose of Atopica is 5 mg/kg/day, given as a single daily dose for one month.

Directions:

Begin Atopica one to two months prior to the expected onset of seasonal allergies. Offer the capsules whole. Atopica is bitter. Do not open the capsules or sprinkle on food. Give this medication one hour before or two hours after feeding.

Frequency of Use:

Continue administering Atopica until told to stop. Your dog's dosage may be gradually reduced after several weeks of treatment with the medication. Treat chronic allergies with every-other-day or twice-weekly dosing, as instructed by your veterinarian.

Give a missed dose of Atopica as soon as you remember.

Storage:

Store in original container, at room temperature, and out of reach of children and animals.

It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

Atopica (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED

The active ingredient in Atopica, cyclosporine, works by suppressing the immune system to ease allergic symptoms. Allergic symptoms occur when the body identifies a foreign substance as harmful and attacks the substance. Atopica targets immune cells to stop this attack from taking place, thereby minimizing symptoms. Atopica is not an antihistamine or corticosteroid.

Active ingredients: Cyclosporine

Warnings:

Keep this product out of reach of children and animals. Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.

Atopica is intended for dogs at least 6 months of age and weighing at least 4 lbs. It is not known if this medication is safe for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Do not give this medication to dogs known to be allergic to it. Do not give this medication to dogs with a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or some blood disorders.

CAUTION: Atopica is not for use in dogs with a history of neoplasia.

Using Atopica for prolonged periods increases the risk of fungal and bacterial infections resulting from a suppressed immune system.

Side effects may include reduced appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Less commonly, muscle cramps, changes in hair growth, and gum overgrowth may occur. Consult your veterinarian for advice if these side effects develop.

Because this medication suppresses the immune system, your dog will be less able to fight off potentially harmful infections. Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog runs a fever higher than 103 F or experiences sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, painful urination, or tiredness. Call your veterinarian immediately if symptoms of an allergic reaction appear, such as sudden diarrhea, shock, vomiting, hives, swelling, scratching, pale gums, cold limbs, seizures, or coma.

Use Atopica cautiously when also using drugs that affect the P-450 enzyme system.

To report adverse reactions, call 1-800-332-2761.

Warranty and Manufacturer Information:

Manufactured for: Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., Greensboro, NC 27408, USA

NADA 141-218, Approved by FDA

© 2008 Novartis Animal Health US, Inc.

Atopica is a registered trademark of Novartis AG

NAH/ATO-GC/VI/5 11/08

NAC No.: 11310154