Low platelet count after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

221 reports to the FDA describe low platelet count in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 0.8% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

221Reports

67%Marked serious

5.9%Recovered

23%Died or euthanised

42 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

7 4.5%

1–2 days

13 8.3%

3–7 days

8 5.1%

1–4 weeks

41 26%

Over a month

87 56%

How the animals did

Recovered

13 5.9%

Still unwell when reported

144 65%

Died

20 9.0%

Euthanised

30 14%

Not known

14 6.3%

Problems reported at the same time

72 33%

64 29%

59 27%

56 25%

52 24%

50 23%

43 19%

37 17%

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 low platelet count in dogs?: 221 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 42 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).

Low platelet count with similar medicines

Low platelet count after Cyclosporine (Atopica) 46 reports · 0.3% of its reports
Low platelet count after Ilunocitinib (Zenrelia) 53 reports · 2.4% of its reports

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with low platelet count