Abnormal menace reflex test after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 37 reports of abnormal menace reflex test in dogs after Oclacitinib. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

37Reports

78%Marked serious

11%Recovered

30%Died or euthanised

14 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

6 19%

1–2 days

5 16%

3–7 days

2 6.5%

1–4 weeks

6 19%

Over a month

12 39%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 8.1%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 2.7%

Still unwell when reported

18 49%

Died

1 2.7%

Euthanised

10 27%

Not known

4 11%

Problems reported at the same time

Vomiting

14 38%

Lethargy

13 35%

Eye or vision problems

12 32%

Loss of appetite

11 30%

Death

11 30%

Wobbliness (ataxia)

11 30%

Didn't work as expected

8 22%

Behaviour change

7 19%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

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 menace reflex test in dogs?: 37 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 14 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).

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with abnormal menace reflex test