Breathing problems after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 922 reports of breathing problems in dogs after Oclacitinib. That is 3.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.7% across reports for all dog medicines.

922Reports
58%Marked serious
20%Recovered
23%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
185 27%
1–2 days
86 12%
3–7 days
60 8.6%
1–4 weeks
96 14%
Over a month
267 38%

How the animals did

Recovered
184 20%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.2%
Still unwell when reported
376 41%
Died
88 9.5%
Euthanised
126 14%
Not known
146 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
8
1–3 years
123
4–7 years
253
8–11 years
336
12+ years
180

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 breathing problems in dogs?
922 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 10 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).

Breathing problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with breathing problems