What is Zenrelia?

Zenrelia, ilunocitinib, is a new prescription medication for dogs over the age of 12 months that helps control itching caused by allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis. Ilunocitinib, the active ingredient in Zenrelia, works by blocking cytokines, which are the source of triggering itch and inflammation in the body. Therefore, it helps reduce your dog’s sensation of itch. It may be used for short-term treatment or long-term term therapy. Ilunocitinib is an immune suppressant drug called a synthetic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Zenrelia is an unflavored oral tablet that is given once daily and can be given with or without food. It does not contain pork, beef, soy, lactose or dairy. Learn more about Zenrelia’s FDA approval. Zenrelia begins working after the first dose, and most dogs see improvement in itching from day one.

What is the difference between Zenrelia and Apoquel?

Zenrelia and Apoquel are the same class of drug, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and they have the same indications for treatment. However, they contain different active ingredients. Apoquel contains oclacitinib, and Zenrelia contains ilunocitinib.

What are the possible side effects of Zenrelia?

The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting treatment with Zenrelia. Dogs should not take Zenrelia for a period before or after vaccination. If your dog takes Zenrelia, it is important to discuss your dog’s vaccine schedule with your veterinarian. Because Zenrelia is an immune suppressant medication, dogs should be monitored for the development of infections because it may increase the chances of developing an infection.

What is atopic dermaitis in dogs?

It’s not unusual for dogs to have an occasional itch here and a scratch there, but if your dog has consistent problems with scratching, licking, rubbing, biting, and chewing to relieve the itching, it might be a sign of a bigger problem. Just like us, dogs can develop allergies to certain foods or substances in the environment, including insect bites, pollen, mold, and types of grass and trees. Allergens are proteins that, when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, cause an immune reaction. Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease where allergens in the environment cause an allergic reaction of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that can be inherited and is more common in certain breeds of dogs. The treatment of atopic dermatitis may involve multiple methods, including avoiding allergens, bathing or topical treatments, medications to relieve itching, and allergy immunotherapy. While commonly overlooked, itching is a medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis to treat the true cause of the itch effectively. Consulting your veterinarian is important to determine the true cause of the itch and what treatment can best help your pet.

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This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.