Otezla (apremilast) is an oral medication that treats several chronic inflammatory conditions. It is taken in tablet form twice a day and works on an enzyme in the body that plays a role in inflammation.
Otezla overview
BRAND NAMES:
Otezla Starter Pack, Otezla
Generic Names:
Apremilast
Uses:
Treats psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and mouth sores caused by Behcet's disease
Therapeutic Classes:
Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors (PDE4 inhibitors)
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Otezla used for?
Otezla is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth ulcers that occur with Behcet’s disease.
Key takeaways
Most often, Otezla is started at 10 mg once a day. The dose is increased slowly over one week to the usual dose of 30 mg twice a day.
A starter pack is often prescribed when beginning treatment to make dosing easier.
Nause, diarrhea, and headache are the most common side effects of Otezla. These usually improve over the first two weeks of taking the medication.
A few side effects may be severe. It’s important to note that some people may experience depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Otezla.
Regular appointments with your healthcare provider are important to keep track of your medical condition and any possible side effects of the medication.
What form(s) does Otezla come in
Tablet
10 mg
20 mg
30 mg
When starting treatment, Otezla may come in:
14-day starter pack
28-day starter pack
What are common Otezla doses?
The usual dose of Otezla includes:
Starting with 10 mg once a day.
The dose will be increased by 10 mg a day to a standard dose of 30 mg twice a day.
Common Otezla prescriptions
Otezla
27 tablets therapy pack disp packOtezla
28 tablets disp packOtezla
55 tablets therapy pack disp packOtezla
30mg tablet
How to take Otezla
Take Otezla as directed. You may start at a lower dose and work up to the standard dose for treatment.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Otezla can be taken with or without food.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Otezla
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Otezla contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to apremilast.
Otezla warnings
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Tell your doctor about all health and medical conditions, especially kidney disease or a history of depression.
The Otezla dose may be lowered in people with severe kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Otezla may be associated with pregnancy loss and is present in breastmilk.
This medicine may cause depression or thoughts of suicide.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Otezla interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
Some medicines can affect how Otezla works. Some of these medicines include carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Otezla side effects
Serious side effects of Otezla include:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Feeling sad or depressed, thoughts of suicide
Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Unusual changes in mood or behavior
Significant weight loss
Less serious side effects include:
Mild weight loss
Headache
Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Nasal congestion and colds
Stomach pain
Seek emergency medical attention for severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially in older adults. Talk to a healthcare provider right away about unusual changes in behavior or mood, depression, or thoughts of suicide.
Sources:
Otezla dosage, forms, and strengths, SingleCare (2021)
Otezla, Amgen (2023)
Otezla, DailyMed National Library of Medicine (2023)
Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibition in Psoriasis, Psoriasis (2021)
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