Bacterial skin infection after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

289 reports to the FDA describe bacterial skin infection in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 1.0% 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.

289Reports
37%Marked serious
6.6%Recovered
7.6%Died or euthanised
52 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
29 16%
1–2 days
6 3.4%
3–7 days
5 2.8%
1–4 weeks
35 20%
Over a month
104 58%

How the animals did

Recovered
18 6.2%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
207 72%
Died
6 2.1%
Euthanised
16 5.5%
Not known
41 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
44
4–7 years
93
8–11 years
98
12+ years
36

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 bacterial skin infection in dogs?
289 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 52 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).

Bacterial skin infection with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with bacterial skin infection