Facial paralysis after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

34 reports to the FDA describe facial paralysis in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 0.1% 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.

34Reports

71%Marked serious

5.9%Recovered

5.9%Died or euthanised

12 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

6 22%

1–2 days

3 11%

3–7 days

4 15%

1–4 weeks

7 26%

Over a month

7 26%

How the animals did

Recovered

2 5.9%

Still unwell when reported

22 65%

Euthanised

2 5.9%

Not known

8 24%

Problems reported at the same time

13 38%

12 35%

10 29%

9 26%

8 24%

8 24%

7 21%

Didn't work as expected

6 18%

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 facial paralysis in dogs?: 34 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 12 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).

Facial paralysis with similar medicines

Facial paralysis after Cyclosporine (Atopica) 26 reports · 0.2% of its reports

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with facial paralysis