• There are many possible drug interactions. Be sure to tell your veterinarian what other medications your pet is currently using. Give Atopica at least one hour before food or 2 hours after food.
• Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
• The most frequently observed undesirable effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, mucoid or soft stool and diarrhea. They are mild and transient and generally do not require the cessation of the treatment. Very rarely (muscle cramps, muscle weakness) anorexia, gingival hypertrophy, veruciform lesions or change of hair coat have been reported.The efficacy and safety of cyclosporine has neither been assessed in dogs aged less than 6 months weighing less than 2 kg nor in breeding dogs or pregnant or lactating bitches. It is recommended to clear bacterial and fungal infections before treatment with ATOPICA. But infections are not necessarily a reason for drug withdrawal if they occur during treatment. As cyclosporine inhibits T-lymphocytes, it may decrease the immune response in case of malignancy. A complete clinical examination should be performed before treatment. Lymphadenopathy observed on treatment with cyclosporine should be regularly monitored.

Atopica (cyclosporine modified) is an immunosuppressant available by prescription. Atopica is FDA approved for use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 6 months of age and at least 4 pounds. Atopica is available in 15 capsule blister packs in strengths of 10mg for dogs 4 to 9 pounds, 25mg for dogs 9.1 to 16 pounds, 50mg for dogs16.1 to 33 pounds and 100mg for dogs 33.1 to 64 lbs. For dogs 64.1 to 79 pounds give a combination of one 100mg capsule and one 50mg capsule as a single dose. For dogs 79.1 to 121 pounds give two 100mg capsules as a single dose. Atopica is given once a day to start until satisfactory improvement is seen, usually 4 to 8 weeks. The medication can then be given every other day until the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are satisfactorily controlled, then the medication can be given every 3 or 4 days.


Give the proper dose each day for 30 days to start. Following this initial daily treatment period, your veterinarian may recommend that the dose be tapered by decreasing the frequency of dosing to every other day or two times a week, until a minimum frequency is reached which will maintain the desired therapeutic effect.

ATOPICA will initially be given daily until a satisfactory clinical improvement is seen. This will generally be the case after 4 to 8 weeks. If no response is obtained within the first 8 weeks, the treatment should be stopped. Once the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are satisfactorily controlled, ATOPICA can be given every second day. If the signs are then controlled with this dosing, ATOPICA can be then given every 3 to 4 days. The veterinary surgeon will adjust the frequency of administration to the response. Treatment may be stopped when the clinical signs are controlled. Upon recurrence of clinical signs, treatment should be resumed at daily dosing, and in certain cases repeated treatment courses may be required. Treatments of up to several months have been shown to be well tolerated. ATOPICA should be given at least 2 hours before or after feeding. Insert the capsule directly into the dog's mouth.