A Look at Cytopoint and Its Side Effects
Have you noticed that when dogs aren’t constantly itching and biting their skin, they tend to be happier and more playful? The Cytopoint injection for dogs can be a valuable treatment for those dealing with the problem of atopic dermatitis—a fancy term for chronic skin allergies. But there are a few downsides and potential side effects to know. If you need some help deciding whether Cytopoint may suit your pet, the following tips can help.
What is Cytopoint and How Does It Work?
Dogs with problematic skin conditions tend to scratch and gnaw at their skin, sometimes until it drives them crazy. Suppose your dog constantly licks his paws or has red, inflamed skin around their belly and armpits. When home remedies and other treatments prove ineffective, many pet owners rightly look to their local vet for solutions.
One solution your vet might suggest is Cytopoint — an injection released in December 2016 that can offer practical relief for dogs with atopic dermatitis. This treatment helps reduce redness and itching in dogs that are suffering and can’t find any relief—and often, very quickly.
Various authoritative bodies—including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—have approved Cytopoint following expansive clinical tests.
How It Works
The injection suppresses proteins called cytokines. These proteins are what trigger the immune response and make your four-legged friend so itchy and uncomfortable.
Unlike conventional atopic dermatitis treatments, however, it doesn’t need daily maintenance. This is good news for busy pet owners who don’t have enough time to spray topical sprays or apply ointments on their pets every few hours. It also means you’ll have much more quality time to spend with your pet.
Did you know? Up to 10–15% of dogs may be afflicted with atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition recognized by excessive itching (pruritis).
How Often Does My Dog Need Cytopoint Injections?
It’s simple — Cytopoint only requires a single injection every four to eight weeks.
Potential Cytopoint Injection Side Effects
When considering this treatment for your pup, you may have questions about Cytopoint’s side effects. As with any medication, it pays to weigh the pros and cons of this injection to decide whether it’s worth it. For example, it might make your dog:
- Sleepy and lethargic
- Go off their food
- Vomit
It can be difficult to watch your pet feel unwell after an injection, but thankfully these most typical ones go away within a few days.
Potentially Serious Side Effects
The possible side effects don’t stop there, though. On rare occasions, some dogs face awful allergic reactions like facial swelling or breathing problems. Some may even collapse afterward. It’s a frightening thought. How long these more dangerous effects last depends on how severe they appear.
If your vet gives your pup the Cytopoint injection and nasty side effects happen, it’s important to call your vet right away, and they’ll tell you what to do next. It also helps to contact the manufacturer and inform them of your experience. With this knowledge, they can help make the product safer for all pets in the future.
Can Cytopoint Be Used with Other Medications?
Your vet will give you more information about this (appropriate to your specific pet), but generally, Cytopoint can be used alongside other medications. You should know that dogs with compromised immune systems (like cancer or autoimmune diseases) — or those with other medical conditions — might need a different kind of treatment that may be safer and more effective.
Sometimes, vets suggest medicated shampoos, antihistamines, corticosteroids, or even newer prescription drugs like Apoquel. Dogs with severe symptoms often benefit from a combination of these treatments and remedies, and it may take a while to find what works to relieve your pup of constant itching and discomfort. I’ll tell you about some terrific over-the-counter alternatives to try later in this article.
How Quickly Does Cytopoint Start Working?
The injection does work quickly — a significant benefit of Cytopoint — so it can be a convenient option for very itchy dogs. Those who have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis may feel relieved within a matter of days.
For example, itchiness may subside shortly after the injection and your dog might stop gnawing constantly at their skin by the end of the day.
But of course, each animal is different and may react slower or faster than that. If you’ve ever received an annual flu shot, for example, you’ll know the uncertainties of timing, but you take it anyway because experts recommend it. Nothing is ever really guaranteed when it comes to medications.
Ultimately, if your dog responds well, then great. But if the Cytopoint injection triggers unwanted side effects, you might need to explore other options like topical treatments, allergen-specific immunotherapy, or dietary changes.
Is Cytopoint Safe for All Dogs?
While Cytopoint is generally considered safe for dogs of all ages, you should know that not every dog may be a suitable candidate. No qualified vet should give Cytopoint to a dog with a weakened immune system, lactating or pregnant, or with other severe illnesses like liver or kidney disease, an autoimmune disease, or cancer. If your vet suggests otherwise, please challenge them.
For that reason, getting your dog a thorough checkup beforehand is the best approach. Any root health issues can first be ruled out, and you’ll know if your pup is otherwise happy and healthy.
Cytopoint may be a valid option, but if you still have concerns about your vet’s decision, you can always seek a second opinion. You want to ensure your pup is safe and doesn’t receive an injection that would otherwise harm them.
What Should I Do if My Dog Reacts to Cytopoint?
Indeed, some dogs don’t react well to Cytopoint — a reason many pet parents decide to stay away from this injection. But thankfully, most side effects are mild and go away quickly.
If your pup reacts badly, however, you want to get on the phone with your vet quickly. Tell them exactly what your dog experiences, and they’ll be able to tell you the right approach to handle it.
Because all dogs are different and have different medical backgrounds and histories, your vet can pull up your dog’s chart and make quick decisions to get them the right care based on their reaction. Sometimes, immediate intervention is needed, or other prescription drugs, to counter the severe reaction.
Medicated shampoos can help dogs find relief from irritation, infection, dryness, and inflammation.
Alternative, Soothing Remedies to Try
If you want to try alternative remedies before going down the Cytopoint route, give Veterinary Formula’s Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo a try. The healing ingredients this product contains — including soothing aloe vera and moisturizing oatmeal — can bring relief almost immediately to some dogs.
Then, in between shampoos, apply this topical spray (made by the same brand) to your dog’s troublesome hotspots. The wheatgerm and avocado oil can provide relief so quickly that many pups don’t feel the need to scratch, lick, and gnaw their skin as much.
If you find these medicated shampoos and topical sprays effective, you may only need to apply them periodically, and your pet needn’t suffer from any unwanted side effects that a Cytopoint injection might bring.
Talk to Your Vet Today
If you have any specific concerns for your dog regarding Cytopoint’s side effects, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. You may also submit a question to our vet, Mark dos Anjos, DVM, and see his article Cytopoint vs Apoquel: Which Is Best for Dog Allergies? This injection may be a convenient and cost-effective option, but as pet parents, we need to know all the facts, including any downsides. Then, we can make careful decisions to protect our pets’ well-being. There’s also the consideration of cost and insurance coverage, as not all policies may cover this treatment.
Sources and Further Reading
- Gober, M., Hillier, A., Vasquez-Hidalgo, M. A., Amodie, D., & Mellencamp, M. A. (2022). Use of Cytopoint in the Allergic Dog. Frontiers in veterinary science, 9, 909776. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.909776
- Slideshow: Skin Problems in Dogs — WebMD – Here, WebMD has put together a gallery of pictures, showing some of the most prevalent skin issues in dogs.
