Skin and tissue infection after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

220 reports to the FDA describe skin and tissue infection in dogs given Oclacitinib. That is 0.8% 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.

220Reports
38%Marked serious
7.3%Recovered
5.5%Died or euthanised
56 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
20 15%
1–2 days
5 3.7%
3–7 days
6 4.4%
1–4 weeks
21 16%
Over a month
83 61%

How the animals did

Recovered
15 6.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
144 65%
Died
8 3.6%
Euthanised
4 1.8%
Not known
48 22%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
23
4–7 years
71
8–11 years
65
12+ years
30

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 skin and tissue infection in dogs?
220 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 56 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).

Skin and tissue infection with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with skin and tissue infection