Muscle atrophy after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

28 reports to the FDA describe muscle atrophy in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 0.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

28Reports

75%Marked serious

3.6%Recovered

25%Died or euthanised

23 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

3 15%

1–2 days

0 0.0%

3–7 days

2 10%

1–4 weeks

6 30%

Over a month

9 45%

How the animals did

Recovered with lasting effects

1 3.6%

Still unwell when reported

19 68%

Died

1 3.6%

Euthanised

6 21%

Not known

1 3.6%

Problems reported at the same time

10 36%

9 32%

9 32%

7 25%

Musculoskeletal disorder

5 18%

Excessive thirst

5 18%

Excessive urination

5 18%

Hind limb paresis

5 18%

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 muscle atrophy in dogs?: 28 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 23 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 muscle atrophy