Atopica® Oral Solution for Cats

Atopica is a cyclosporine oral solution used to manage allergic dermatitis in cats. This page explains how it works, who it may suit, and how to use it safely. You can order with US shipping from Canada, even if paying without insurance.

What Atopica Is and How It Works

Atopica® contains cyclosporine, an immunomodulator that helps control itch and skin inflammation linked to feline allergic dermatitis. It reduces overactive immune responses that drive excessive scratching, skin lesions, and discomfort. As a result, many cats experience steadier skin comfort when treatment is maintained over time.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Cyclosporine Oral Solution for Cats is given by mouth and absorbed best on a relatively empty stomach. It can be used long term at the lowest effective schedule once symptoms are controlled. Always follow your veterinarian’s directions and the product label.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for the control of clinical signs of allergic dermatitis in cats. Typical signs include itching, hair loss from overgrooming, and skin sores. It is intended for cats that are at least the labeled age and weight, as directed in the official insert. Before starting, your veterinarian may evaluate for other causes of itch, including fleas, mites, or infections.

Atopica for Cats is not for use in cats with a history of malignant disorders or uncontrolled infections. It is generally not recommended for breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. Cats with certain chronic diseases may need closer monitoring. Learn more about related conditions in our Allergic Dermatitis and Pruritus guides. For broader options, explore Pet Medications.

Dosage and Usage

The initial schedule typically starts once daily, based on weight, for several weeks. After signs improve, a prescriber may reduce frequency to every other day, and then to twice weekly, using the lowest schedule that keeps symptoms controlled. Give doses on an empty stomach unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, discuss the best approach with your prescriber.

Use the provided oral dosing syringe to measure each dose accurately. Atopica for Cats Dosing Syringe is designed to draw the solution directly from the bottle. Dispense the measured amount into the cat’s mouth towards the cheek pouch. Allow your cat time to swallow. Rinse the syringe with clean water and let it dry before the next use.

If your veterinarian switches feeding timing, keep it consistent day to day. Do not change dose or schedule on your own. Some cats benefit from a calm, routine dosing spot and gentle handling. Positive reinforcement can help make dosing smoother over time.

Strengths and Forms

This treatment is supplied as an oral solution for feline use. Availability can vary by supplier and prescription.

• Atopica for Cats 17 mL
• Cyclosporine oral solution 100 mg/mL concentration

Packaging and included devices may differ by lot or market. Ask your veterinarian which presentation works best for your cat’s weight and schedule.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double up. Return to the regular schedule and monitor your cat’s skin and scratching pattern. Contact your veterinarian with any concerns about persistent flare-ups.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the bottle at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct light. Keep the cap tightly closed and the dosing syringe clean and dry between uses. Always keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze. Check the package insert for in-use guidance after opening, including any time limits for discarding the bottle.

When traveling, carry the original labeled container in a secure pouch. Pack the dosing syringe and a small supply of cleaning water. If flying, keep the medicine in your carry-on bag. For longer trips, bring a copy of the prescription or a clinic note that lists the medicine name and directions. If your cat will change feeding times during travel, talk with your prescriber about keeping dosing consistent.

Benefits

This therapy helps control itch and skin lesions in cats with allergic dermatitis. It targets immune pathways that drive chronic flare-ups, reducing the need for frequent short courses of steroids. Once signs are controlled, many cats can move to a less frequent schedule, which can make long-term management more practical for families.

Atopica Oral Solution for Cats may support steadier comfort through seasons when allergens vary. It can be used alongside flea control and other veterinarian-directed measures for comprehensive skin care.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include:

• Vomiting or soft stool
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Gingival changes
• Lethargy

Serious effects are less common but can occur. Immunomodulating therapy may increase susceptibility to infections. Avoid live vaccines during treatment. Cats with a history of malignant disorders should not receive this medicine. Contact your veterinarian promptly if your cat shows persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, profound lethargy, jaundice, unusual bruising, or signs of infection. Emergency care is warranted for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines and supplements your cat uses. Azole antifungals and macrolide antibiotics can raise cyclosporine levels; rifampin and certain anticonvulsants can lower them. Live vaccines should be avoided while on treatment. Discuss parasite control and routine vaccination plans before starting. If your cat has diabetes mellitus, renal concerns, or a history of neoplasia, your prescriber may recommend closer monitoring.

What to Expect Over Time

Itch and skin lesions often improve gradually when the schedule is followed. Your veterinarian may adjust the dosing frequency to maintain control using the lowest effective routine. Keep a simple log of scratching, grooming, and visible skin changes. Note any triggers such as flea exposure or environmental allergens. Pairing this therapy with veterinarian-directed flea prevention and gentle skin care often supports steadier results.

For background on parasite-related triggers of itch, see our article on Nexgard Combo Cats and learn about fast relief in Capstar Flea Relief. If your veterinarian suspects another contributing cause, they may recommend further testing or short-term adjunct therapies. You can also review general guidance in Cat Pain Signs.

Compare With Alternatives

Some itchy cats have flea allergy dermatitis as a driver of symptoms. In those cases, your veterinarian may prioritize flea control. Two options we carry include:

• Revolution For Cat for broad parasite protection that includes fleas
• Capstar For Cats for fast-acting flea kill

These products address parasitic causes of itch rather than immune-driven dermatitis. Your clinician will determine whether parasite control, immunomodulation, or both are appropriate.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent options with Canadian sourcing and U.S. fulfilment. Atopica for Cats Price varies by bottle size and supplier. You can review options, compare formats, and choose the quantity your veterinarian prescribes. Our checkout supports self-pay with encrypted checkout.

For the latest offers, visit our Promotions page. Orders are packaged for safe transit with Ships from Canada to US fulfilment. For country-of-origin details, see Canada. If you need broader choices, browse Pet Medications.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by market and season. If a specific bottle or presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative plan based on your cat’s diagnosis. We do not substitute without your veterinarian’s approval. Your prescription will direct the appropriate class and schedule.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Cats with confirmed allergic dermatitis who are healthy enough for immunomodulating therapy may be candidates. Those with active infections, a history of malignant disorders, or certain metabolic conditions may need a different approach. Your veterinarian will guide testing, flea control, and skin care steps that complement therapy.

To help manage costs, consider:

• Multi-month fills: fewer checkouts when stable
• Aligned refills: set reminders before you run low
• Consistent dosing: supports steady control
• Clear storage: avoids waste from damage

Discuss the potential to taper frequency once signs are controlled. Staying on the lowest effective schedule may reduce medicine use over time while keeping symptoms in check.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis clarity: what confirms allergic dermatitis?
• Expected response: how will we gauge improvement?
• Dose plan: when might we reduce dosing frequency?
• Monitoring: what side effects should I watch for?
• Parasite control: which flea prevention pairs best?
• Diet and environment: any triggers to reduce at home?
• Follow-ups: when should we recheck skin and weight?

Authoritative Sources

For detailed, up-to-date information, see:

• Elanco Manufacturer Site
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Place your request with US delivery from Canada and prompt, express shipping. This information is educational and not a substitute for your veterinarian’s advice or the product label.