Lethargy after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 3,089 reports of lethargy in dogs after Oclacitinib. That is 11% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines.

3,089Reports

39%Marked serious

23%Recovered

11%Died or euthanised

4 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

670 28%

1–2 days

421 17%

3–7 days

250 10%

1–4 weeks

364 15%

Over a month

714 30%

How the animals did

Recovered

695 22%

Recovered with lasting effects

3 0.1%

Still unwell when reported

1,588 51%

Died

111 3.6%

Euthanised

219 7.1%

Not known

473 15%

Problems reported at the same time

1,271 41%

962 31%

534 17%

456 15%

Didn't work as expected

388 13%

Death

328 11%

Blood problems

293 9.5%

Breathing problems

256 8.3%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

576

4–7 years

1,019

8–11 years

976

12+ years

384

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 lethargy in dogs?: 3,089 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 4 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).

Lethargy with similar medicines

Lethargy after Cyclosporine (Atopica) 2,122 reports · 14% of its reports
Lethargy after Ilunocitinib (Zenrelia) 309 reports · 14% of its reports

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