Enlarged liver after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

47 reports to the FDA describe enlarged liver in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 0.2% 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.

47Reports

62%Marked serious

2.1%Recovered

40%Died or euthanised

69 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

3 9.7%

1–2 days

5 16%

3–7 days

1 3.2%

1–4 weeks

2 6.5%

Over a month

20 65%

How the animals did

Recovered

1 2.1%

Still unwell when reported

20 43%

Died

6 13%

Euthanised

13 28%

Not known

7 15%

Problems reported at the same time

Liver problems

35 74%

Death

19 40%

Abnormal radiograph finding

18 38%

Loss of appetite

17 36%

Vomiting

15 32%

Lethargy

12 26%

Didn't work as expected

12 26%

Kidney problems

11 23%

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 enlarged liver in dogs?: 47 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 69 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 enlarged liver