Oclacitinib (Apoquel) for Dogs

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on October 10, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
4 min read

Oclacitinib (Apoquel) is an FDA-approved medicine for use in dogs that are at least 12 months old to control itching from allergic dermatitis and to control atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis is when an animal is allergic to things in their environment called allergens, such as pollen, dust, grass, etc.  

Oclacitinib is classified as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. This kind of medicine reduces the dog’s immune response to allergens, which decreases itching.

Oclacitinib starts relieving your dog’s allergic itching within 4 hours of taking a dose, with control occurring within 24 hours.

Although it is not approved for use in cats, studies are being done to look at its use. More research in a larger cat population is needed to look at the effectiveness and safety.

Oclacitinib is a tablet given by mouth every 12 hours for up to 14 days and then once every 24 hours after that. It can be given in the short-term for immediate itch relief, or it can be given long-term for control of itching and skin inflammation.

Oclacitinib comes in an oral tablet or chewable tablet in three doses (3.6 milligrams, 5.4 milligrams, and 16 milligrams). The chewable tablet is pork liver-flavored. It is reported that only about 2% of dogs have an allergy to pork. The tablets are scored, making them easier to split into halves.  

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.  

  • Oclacitinib can be as effective as steroids such as prednisolone or prednisone in treating itch and inflammation, but with fewer side effects.
  • Oclacitinib can be used as either a short-term or long-term treatment.
  • Oclacitinib is well tolerated by dogs.

You and your veterinarian should monitor your dog for improvement of their condition as well as for side effects of oclacitinib. Monitoring for infections and for new masses or cancer is needed.

Initial blood and urine tests should be done if your dog will take oclacitinib long-term.  Additional lab work should be based on the needs of the pet.

Do not use oclacitinib in animals that are allergic to it or in animals that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing.  Do not use oclacitinib in dogs less than 12 months old. Oclacitinib may increase the risk of lung infections (pneumonia), mange, skin infection of the feet, bacterial infections of the skin, and ear infections. 

Side effects with oclacitinib are uncommon. The most common side effects of oclacitinib include:

  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Tiredness

Most side effects usually resolve quickly.

Less common side effects of oclacitinib in dogs include:

  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Aggression
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Seizures

If you think that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.

No significant drug interactions have been reported. Oclacitinib has been found to be used safely with the following common medications:

  • Vaccines
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Antibiotics
  • Antiparasitic medicines
  • Anticonvulsants (seizure medicines)
  • Allergen immune therapy

Since oclacitinib affects the immune system, any medicine that also changes the immune system could be harmful to your dog if given long-term. Make sure that you discuss if your dog is using any of the following:

  • Azathioprine
  • Corticosteroids
  • Cyclosporine
  • Mycophenolate
  • Tigilanol tiglate 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with oclacitinib. Always check with your veterinarian.

  • Keep oclacitinib out of reach of children.
  • Wash your hands after giving oclacitinib to your pet.
  • Do not handle oclacitinib if you are allergic to it.  

Call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately if you suspect your pet has taken more oclacitinib than prescribed.

If your pet misses a dose, give the oclacitinib dose when you remember. Continue giving the medicine at the correct time from then on. Do not double the dose of the medicine or give an extra dose.

Oclacitinib tablets should be protected from light and stored at room temperature.