Dermal cyst(s) after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 176 reports of dermal cyst(s) in dogs after Oclacitinib. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

176Reports

40%Marked serious

7.4%Recovered

4.0%Died or euthanised

92 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

17 16%

1–2 days

2 1.9%

3–7 days

1 1.0%

1–4 weeks

12 11%

Over a month

73 70%

How the animals did

Recovered

13 7.4%

Still unwell when reported

139 79%

Died

4 2.3%

Euthanised

3 1.7%

Not known

17 9.7%

Problems reported at the same time

Skin rash or irritation

36 20%

Didn't work as expected

36 20%

20 11%

14 8.0%

14 8.0%

11 6.3%

Skin and tissue infection

10 5.7%

Papilloma

10 5.7%

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 dermal cyst(s) in dogs?: 176 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 92 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 dermal cyst(s)