Itching after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,184 reports of itching in dogs after Oclacitinib. That is 4.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.3% across reports for all dog medicines.

1,184Reports
32%Marked serious
19%Recovered
2.4%Died or euthanised
18 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
188 21%
1–2 days
96 11%
3–7 days
78 8.8%
1–4 weeks
147 17%
Over a month
378 43%

How the animals did

Recovered
220 19%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
637 54%
Died
8 0.7%
Euthanised
20 1.7%
Not known
296 25%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
12
1–3 years
266
4–7 years
389
8–11 years
343
12+ years
126

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 itching in dogs?
1,184 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 18 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).

Itching with similar medicines

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