Intentional misuse after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

354 reports to the FDA describe intentional misuse in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 1.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

354Reports

54%Marked serious

10%Recovered

3.1%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

102 36%

1–2 days

22 7.7%

3–7 days

19 6.7%

1–4 weeks

49 17%

Over a month

93 33%

How the animals did

Recovered

37 10%

Still unwell when reported

270 76%

Died

4 1.1%

Euthanised

7 2.0%

Not known

36 10%

Problems reported at the same time

Didn't work as expected

151 43%

45 13%

41 12%

38 11%

37 10%

36 10%

35 9.9%

33 9.3%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

113

8–11 years

100

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 intentional misuse in dogs?: 354 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 7 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 intentional misuse