Lymphoma after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

295 reports to the FDA describe lymphoma in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 1.0% 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.

295Reports
98%Marked serious
1.0%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
120 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
14 8.9%
1–2 days
1 0.6%
3–7 days
1 0.6%
1–4 weeks
21 13%
Over a month
120 76%

How the animals did

Recovered
2 0.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
158 54%
Died
41 14%
Euthanised
57 19%
Not known
36 12%

Problems reported at the same time

Death
98 33%
Lymphadenopathy
61 21%
Loss of appetite
43 15%
Pr-lymph node(s), lesion(s)
31 11%
Abnormal cytology
31 11%
Liver problems
30 10%
Enlarged lymph node (localised)
29 9.8%
Enlarged lymph nodes (generalised)
28 9.5%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
15
4–7 years
95
8–11 years
94
12+ years
47

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 lymphoma in dogs?
295 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 120 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).

Lymphoma with similar medicines

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