Wobbliness (ataxia) after Oclacitinib (Apoquel) in dogs

The FDA has received 448 reports of wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs after Oclacitinib. That is 1.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

448Reports
56%Marked serious
20%Recovered
13%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
88 25%
1–2 days
55 15%
3–7 days
50 14%
1–4 weeks
63 18%
Over a month
102 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
87 19%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 0.2%
Still unwell when reported
241 54%
Died
13 2.9%
Euthanised
45 10%
Not known
61 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
4
1–3 years
46
4–7 years
118
8–11 years
162
12+ years
114

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 wobbliness (ataxia) in dogs?
448 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 6 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).

Wobbliness (ataxia) with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Oclacitinib in dogs · Medicines most reported with wobbliness (ataxia)