Abnormal cytology after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 408 reports of abnormal cytology in dogs after Oclacitinib. That is 1.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

408Reports
60%Marked serious
7.1%Recovered
17%Died or euthanised
66 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
13 4.9%
1–2 days
13 4.9%
3–7 days
24 9.1%
1–4 weeks
44 17%
Over a month
171 65%

How the animals did

Recovered
25 6.1%
Recovered with lasting effects
4 1.0%
Still unwell when reported
286 70%
Died
23 5.6%
Euthanised
45 11%
Not known
25 6.1%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
64
4–7 years
138
8–11 years
160
12+ years
39

About this medicine

Oclacitinib controls itching from allergies (tablet, a JAK inhibitor).

Products with this ingredient include Apoquel. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Oclacitinib cause abnormal cytology in dogs?
408 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 66 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Abnormal cytology with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal cytology