Full drug information and a pet owner handout can be found at Plumb’s.com.
What Is Ilunocitinib?
Ilunocitinib has been FDA-approved for treatment of atopic dermatitis or pruritus in dogs at least 12 months of age.
Pharmacology of Ilunocitinib
Ilunocitinib is a nonselective Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor with a high potency for JAK1, JAK2, and tyrosine kinase 2 inhibition. By inhibiting JAK, ilunocitinib inhibits the function of various proinflammatory, pruritogenic, and allergy-related cytokines.
Contraindications of Ilunocitinib
Ilunocitinib is contraindicated in dogs hypersensitive to it. This drug should not be used in dogs with serious infections or that are <12 months of age. Safe use of ilunocitinib has not been evaluated in dogs that are pregnant, lactating, or used for breeding.
Adverse Effects of Ilunocitinib
Adverse effects may include GI signs (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia), lethargy, and dermal growths (eg, cysts, papillomas).1 Elevated triglycerides and liver enzymes and decreased blood cell counts (eg, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia) have been reported. Ilunocitinib may increase susceptibility to development of neoplasia and increase risk for infection, including exacerbating progression of subclinical or uncomplicated infections into clinical or severe infections.
Additional Information
Vaccinations should be up to date prior to treatment with this drug, as ilunocitinib may impair the immune response to vaccines, including rabies. In addition, administration of modified-live vaccines to ilunocitinib-treated dogs has resulted in fatal vaccine-induced disease.1 Ilunocitinib should be temporarily discontinued in dogs that require vaccination.
A comprehensive look at how to manage atopic dermatitis in dogs using ilunocitinib is offered by the experts at Plumb’s (paid subscription only).