Hyperpigmentation after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 129 reports of hyperpigmentation in dogs after 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.

129Reports

19%Marked serious

4.7%Recovered

2.3%Died or euthanised

30 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

9 8.4%

1–2 days

3 2.8%

3–7 days

6 5.6%

1–4 weeks

36 34%

Over a month

53 50%

How the animals did

Recovered

6 4.7%

Still unwell when reported

91 71%

Euthanised

3 2.3%

Not known

29 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Hair loss

39 30%

Didn't work as expected

30 23%

Skin redness

16 12%

Itching

16 12%

Skin disorders

15 12%

Skin rash or irritation

14 11%

Lethargy

12 9.3%

Crust

8 6.2%

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 hyperpigmentation in dogs?: 129 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 30 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).

Hyperpigmentation with similar medicines

Hyperpigmentation after Cyclosporine (Atopica) 59 reports · 0.4% of its reports

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