Elevated symmetrical dimethylarginine (sdma) after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

127 reports to the FDA describe elevated symmetrical dimethylarginine (sdma) in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 0.4% 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.

127Reports
50%Marked serious
2.4%Recovered
13%Died or euthanised
60 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
10 13%
1–2 days
6 7.5%
3–7 days
4 5.0%
1–4 weeks
13 16%
Over a month
47 59%

How the animals did

Recovered
3 2.4%
Still unwell when reported
90 71%
Died
6 4.7%
Euthanised
10 7.9%
Not known
18 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
0
1–3 years
26
4–7 years
32
8–11 years
33
12+ years
33

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 elevated symmetrical dimethylarginine (sdma) in dogs?
127 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 60 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).

Elevated symmetrical dimethylarginine (sdma) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with elevated symmetrical dimethylarginine (sdma)