Cyclosporine
Atopica (veterinary) · Optimmune (eye ointment, veterinary) · generic cyclosporine modified (human)
Cyclosporine treats allergic skin disease in dogs and cats, immune-mediated diseases, and dry eye in dogs as an ointment. Atopica is the veterinary capsule; human cyclosporine modified capsules are the same drug and a pharmacy can fill a vet’s prescription for them. The two formulations of human cyclosporine are not interchangeable.
What it is used for
Cyclosporine suppresses the immune cells that drive allergic and immune-mediated disease. For atopic dermatitis it is an alternative to steroids and to oclacitinib, taking a few weeks to reach full effect; it is also used for immune-mediated anaemia, inflammatory bowel disease, perianal fistulas and, as an ointment, for dry eye in dogs. Vomiting and diarrhoea in the first weeks are the usual complaints and often settle.
Atopica is the veterinary capsule and liquid. The human product comes in two forms: the modified (microemulsion) form, which Atopica resembles and which vets specify, and the older non-modified form, which is absorbed differently. A pharmacist must dispense the exact form on the prescription.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Human cyclosporine modified and non-modified are not interchangeable; the prescription must name the form.
- Gum overgrowth, increased hair growth and a higher risk of infection can occur with long use; the vet monitors.
- Grapefruit and some antifungal drugs raise its levels; tell the vet about everything the animal takes.
- Freezing the capsules has been suggested to reduce vomiting; ask the vet before doing anything to a capsule.
- Capsules (veterinary and human modified)
- Oral solution (veterinary and human)
- Eye ointment (veterinary)
- 25, 50 and 100 mg human modified capsules
- Atopica capsules in strengths for small to large dogs
Why the cash price varies
Human cyclosporine modified is generic, but it is a specialty drug that pharmacies stock less widely and buy at a higher cost than ordinary generics, so quotes vary considerably. Atopica is a veterinary brand at a higher price. The eye ointment is a veterinary product with its own pricing.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether the human generic modified capsule at a matching strength is suitable.
- Ask the pharmacy whether it stocks it or must order it, and compare a second pharmacy.
- For long-term use, ask for a ninety-day prescription.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Can I use the human generic modified capsule, and at what strength?
- How long before we judge whether it is working?
- What should I do about vomiting in the first weeks?
- What monitoring does long-term use need?
- How does this compare with Apoquel or Cytopoint for my dog?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s cyclosporine prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s cyclosporine prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book)
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- FDA Orange Book (approved generics and therapeutic equivalence)
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.