Before you give it: is cyclosporine the right fit?
Cyclosporine suits longer-term allergic skin control, not quick fixes. A quick check first:
- It’s for chronic atopic dermatitis, not acute flares. Cyclosporine takes a few weeks to reach full effect, so it is used for ongoing control of allergic skin disease — your vet manages an acute flare differently.
- Get the diagnosis first. Itchy skin has many causes (fleas, food, infection); a vet should confirm atopic dermatitis and rule out infection before starting an immunomodulator.
- It lowers immune activity. Because it is an immunomodulator, your vet weighs active infections, a history of cancer, and other medications before prescribing, and may monitor your dog over time.
- Expect a short settling-in. Mild stomach upset (vomiting or soft stool) is common in the first days and usually settles; your vet can advise on giving it with or without food.
What cyclosporine (Atopica) for dogs is
Cyclosporine is an immunomodulator — it calms the overactive immune response that drives allergic skin disease.1 Marketed for dogs as Atopica since 2002, it has been shown in meta-analyses to be highly effective for long-term control of canine atopic dermatitis.2 Whether it is the right choice, and at what dose, is a decision for the prescribing veterinarian — based on your dog’s weight, health history, and other medications.
We are a licensed veterinary pharmacy. We dispense what the vet prescribes3 — we do not diagnose or set doses — and we will tell you plainly when cyclosporine is not the right fit for your dog.
| Active ingredient | Cyclosporine (ciclosporin, modified) |
|---|---|
| Strength | 25, 50, and 100 mg |
| Also sold as | Atopica (brand and packaging vary) |
| Drug class | Calcineurin-inhibitor immunomodulator |
| Form | Capsules |
| Intended use | Dogs only |
| Availability | Prescription, not for human use |
| Delivery to | All 50 US states, contact us for other countries |
Cyclosporine dosing for dogs: your vet sets it
Cyclosporine for dogs is dosed by body weight and set by your prescribing veterinarian, who typically starts with a daily dose and then tapers to the lowest amount that keeps the skin controlled. That tapering is individual, which is why a vet — not a website — sets it. We do not set doses, and this page does not list one. The label on your order reflects your prescribing vet’s instructions — follow it exactly. Cyclosporine comes in 25, 50, and 100 mg.
Side effects to watch for
The most common effects are digestive — vomiting or soft stool — usually in the first days, and usually settling with time. Because it is an immunomodulator, your vet watches for infections and, with long courses, for gum overgrowth or other effects. Call your vet for persistent vomiting, signs of infection, or if your dog seems unwell.
⚠ Important safety notes
- Prescription medication. A veterinarian decides whether it’s appropriate and sets the dose — we never set one.
- It modulates the immune system. Tell your vet about any active infection, a history of cancer, and every other medication; your vet may monitor your dog during treatment.
- Give consistently. Follow your vet’s instructions on giving it with or without food, at a consistent time; don’t change the routine without asking.
- For dogs only. Never give a dog a medication meant for a person or another animal; the wrong drug or dose can seriously harm your pet.
Cost & how to get it
There is no public cart or online payment step. You place a reservation, a veterinarian reviews it and writes the prescription if it’s appropriate, then our pharmacy sends a secure payment link before anything ships — so the veterinary review costs you nothing separate, and you pay only for the medication. If cyclosporine isn’t right for your dog, the order isn’t filled and you aren’t charged.
| Pack size | 25 mg | 50 mg | 100 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 capsules MOST POPULAR | $29.99 · $1.00/capsule | $42.99 · $1.43/capsule | $54.99 · $1.83/capsule |
| 60 capsules | $52.99 · $0.88/capsule | $75.99 · $1.27/capsule | $96.99 · $1.62/capsule |
| 90 capsules BEST VALUE | $71.99 · $0.80/capsule | $103.99 · $1.16/capsule | $131.99 · $1.47/capsule |
The per-capsule cost drops at the larger pack sizes — your vet sets the strength and course, which often tapers over time.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription?
Yes — but you don’t have to arrange it yourself. A veterinarian reviews your order and prescribes it, then we dispense it legally. If it’s not right for your dog, the order isn’t filled and you aren’t charged.
What is cyclosporine (Atopica) used for in dogs?
It is an immunomodulator used for longer-term control of atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease). Whether it fits your dog is the prescribing vet’s decision.
How long until it works?
Cyclosporine usually takes a few weeks to reach full effect, so it is used for ongoing control rather than quick relief of a flare. Your vet will set expectations.
What dose should I give?
We don’t provide dosing. The right dose depends on your dog’s weight and response and is set by the prescribing veterinarian, who often tapers it over time. Follow the prescription exactly.
Do I get exactly what I see on this site?
We can’t guarantee a specific manufacturer. What you receive may look different, but the drug, strength, and ingredients match what the veterinarian prescribes.
Medical disclaimer
This site is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. A licensed veterinarian should determine medication selection, prescribing, dosing, and treatment for the individual animal. Never give a dog a medication intended for a person or another animal; the wrong drug or dose can seriously harm your pet. All medications sold on this site are for animal use only and are not intended for human use or consumption.
Sources & References
- Merck Veterinary Manual, “Allergic Skin Diseases.” merckvetmanual.com (accessed 2026) Supports: atopic dermatitis management in dogs, including immunomodulatory therapy such as cyclosporine.
- Nuttall T, Reece D, Roberts E. “Life-long diseases need life-long treatment: long-term safety of ciclosporin in canine atopic dermatitis.” Vet Rec 2014;174(Suppl 2):3–12. doi:10.1136/vr.102471. doi.org (2014) Supports: ciclosporin (Atopica) has been licensed for canine atopic dermatitis since 2002 and meta-analyses confirm it is highly effective for long-term control.
- FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Animal & Veterinary. fda.gov (accessed 2026) Supports: the prescription status of veterinary medications.
