Product Details: Atopica (Cyclosporine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Novartis

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This product is an oral soft capsule for the treatment of skin allergies in dogs. Signs of skin allergies are scratching, licking, gnawing, chewing, skin infections, hair loss, terrible odor and sleepless nights.

Directions

Give this product exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to explain them to you. Always give Atopica 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Do not remove a capsule from the blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there is a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal. Your veterinarian may want your pet to have regularly scheduled blood tests during treatment to monitor effectiveness and side effects. Store Atopica at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Cautions

The safe use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been determined. Do not use this product in dogs with known allergy to the medication. The drug should not be used in dogs with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and certain blood disorders. Prolonged use of this product can result in bacterial or fungal infection related to a decreased effect of the immune system.

Side Effects

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving this product and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, and hives). Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue givingt his product and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, soft stools or diarrhea, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and change of hair coat. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

Active Ingredients

Cyclosporine