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General Medication Fact Sheet for Otezla
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Otezla |
| Generic Name | Apremilast |
| Purpose | Treatment of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s disease |
| Mechanism of Action | Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, modulating the production of inflammatory mediators |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Twice daily |
| Common Side Effects | Diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and vomiting |
| Serious Side Effects | Depression, suicidal thoughts, unexplained weight loss, severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting |
| Drug Interactions | Strong CYP450 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) can decrease apremilast exposure |
| Important Notes | Monitor for changes in mood, weight, and gastrointestinal symptoms. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). |
| Missed Dose | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Methotrexate, Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), Cosentyx (secukinumab), Stelara (ustekinumab) |
Otezla Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Antimetabolite and immunosuppressant | Commonly used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; requires regular monitoring. |
| Humira (adalimumab) | TNF-alpha inhibitor | Biologic injectable medication for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. |
| Enbrel (etanercept) | TNF-alpha inhibitor | Biologic injectable medication for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. |
| Cosentyx (secukinumab) | IL-17A inhibitor | Biologic injectable medication for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. |
| Stelara (ustekinumab) | IL-12 and IL-23 inhibitor | Biologic injectable medication for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. |
Otezla Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | Depression |
| Nausea | Suicidal thoughts |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | Unexplained weight loss |
| Tension headache | Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting |
| Vomiting | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Otezla Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaque Psoriasis | Day 1: 10 mg once; Day 2: 10 mg twice; Day 3: 10 mg in the morning, 20 mg in the evening; Day 4: 20 mg twice; Day 5: 20 mg in the morning, 30 mg in the evening. | 30 mg twice daily | Swallow tablets whole; can be taken with or without food. |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | Day 1: 10 mg once; Day 2: 10 mg twice; Day 3: 10 mg in the morning, 20 mg in the evening; Day 4: 20 mg twice; Day 5: 20 mg in the morning, 30 mg in the evening. | 30 mg twice daily | Swallow tablets whole; can be taken with or without food. |
| Oral Ulcers Associated with Behçet’s Disease | Day 1: 10 mg once; Day 2: 10 mg twice; Day 3: 10 mg in the morning, 20 mg in the evening; Day 4: 20 mg twice; Day 5: 20 mg in the morning, 30 mg in the evening. | 30 mg twice daily | Swallow tablets whole; can be taken with or without food. |
Otezla Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $150 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $3,000 – $3,500 |
| From CPS | $936.70 |
