Going to try out Atopica...

[cassiek]

Well, I've decided to try out Atopica for Furby. I've been weighing out alternatives over the past month or so, and have decided to give it a shot.

They claim if you do not see results in 8 weeks to stop treatment, as it's not effective. I purchased enough pills from my vet today for the 2 months, so we'll see how it goes.

On another note, I may have to get a 2nd job to afford these pills... eep were they expensive!! And he's just a small pup, I'd hate to have to give them to a HUGE dog! Although eventually you can get down to a maintenance level, which wouldn't be too too bad...!

[Dr Lee]

Cassie,

I am very happy that you are going to give this medication another shot. It really is a great medication. For most pets that respond well to steroids, I have found that most of these respond well to Atopica. I love the fact that instead of suppressing the immune system all over like steroids do (not to even begin to mention all the other problems), Atopica focusing mainly on the T helper cells.

If you haven't already been here, this is my website's information on Atopica.

How to address the costs!
1) The Atopica website has rebates to get money back. It is $5 for two boxes of 10mg, $7 for 25mg, $10 for 50mg, and $15 for 100mg. Here is the Link: Atopica Rebate

2) Ketoconazole. Ketoconazole can competitively inhibit the degradation of cylcosporine. In English, this means that by adding ketoconazole you can half or almost half the dose of Atopica and get the same effect. I do not recommend that you do this until you a) know it works, b) have gone through the first 8 weeks of therapy and c) are on maintenance therapy. But once you are there, this can help save some money. I do not have many on this but I have had a couple clients that have large dogs that have been very satisfied with this solution.

3) Compounding pharmacy. If you have read any of my posts on Atopica you will have noticed that I am adamant about not using generic. I still stand by this. They are not microemulsified. This is a major problem. I have been using Roadrunner compounding pharmacy for a long time and been very happy with their products. They are a Veterinary only compounding pharmacy with excellent quality assurance, flavoring options, delivery policies and prices. I was able to corner one of their pharmacists at a lecture they were giving and spoke at length on their cyclosporine and the microemulsification. They have assured me that their microemulsified cyclosporine is the same as Atopica. One of my technicians has switched due to price (Road runners is much cheaper) and her dog has been on it for a couple months and been doing great. So I am currently telling people about this as an option (if something changes, I will let everyone know). I don't know about other compounding pharmacies but I am always a little suspicious on this medication. Here is Roadrunner's website: Roadrunner Pharmacy.


Some things for all Atopica clients to remember:

1) It can take 8 weeks for effect. Here is Atopica's website for "what to expect": Timeline.

2) Give it on an empty stomach.

3) The carrying agent is castor oil. And as it is on an empty stomach, some dogs will throw up on Atopica. This is typically a reaction to castor oil and not a true drug reaction. If this occurs, it is not reason to discontinue medication but to contact your vet about how to adjust things to make your pet comfortable.


And as always I recommend concurrent use of an appropriate diet and omega 3 Fatty Acids. Additionally control bacterial infections, prevent fleas and ticks, and appropriate bathing techniques.

Best of luck.

[cassiek]

Thanks for the info Dr. Lee.

I have never tried Atopica before (mainly due to the cost) but have exhausated all other options. He actually did not respond well to the steroids, but I still feel confident that I should see some improvement with this medication.

Thank you so much for putting the link for the rebate! Every little bit helps!

Currently I am also giving him salmon oil. I feed a raw diet, avoiding his known food allergens (chicken, cow, bison, and rice). But he has alot of enviro allergens that I think the Atopica should help with.

I will keep you posted. Thanks again for the info!

Darn! Unfortunately, the rebate is only for US customers!

[Dr Lee]

Roadrunner Pharmacy is now licensed to deliver medications to Canada. They are a compounding pharmacy that works with veterinary medications only. They make a modified (microemulsified) cyclosporine in a liquid formulation that is much, much cheaper than Atopica. I am leary of other companies that sell cyclosporine as it is often not modified or not modified correctly. I have spent a fair amount of time discussing this with the Roadrunner pharmacist. I feel comfortable with their product. They deliver the medication to your door.

Here is the link: Roadrunner Pharmacy.

Hope it helps.