Otezla

Uses of Otezla

Otezla (apremilast) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Behçet’s disease in specific patients. Otezla tablets help improve plaque psoriasis for clearer skin and reduce inflammation and symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling in psoriatic arthritis and Behcet’s disease by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) enzyme.

Precautions and Warnings

Depression: Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Hypersensitivity: Cases of swelling (angioedema) and anaphylaxis have been reported. Do not use this medicine in patients with known hypersensitivity to apremilast or any of the inactive ingredients:

Otezla Weight loss: Otezla may cause weight loss. Monitor weight regularly. If clinically significant or unexpected weight loss occurs, evaluate the reason for weight loss and consider stopping this medicine.

Drug Interactions: Medications that are strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) are not recommended because loss of efficacy may occur. See the Interactions section below.

Otezla may harm an unborn baby. It is important to use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of apremilast on the baby.

Breastfeeding:It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Dosage

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Otezla that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but the dosage you receive will be determined by your doctor.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

For treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults, Otezla is usually taken twice per day. You’ll likely take the drug once in the morning and once in the evening.

When you first start taking the drug, your doctor may recommend that you take low doses of Otezla. For example, on day 1, your doctor may prescribe one lower strength tablet taken once in the morning.

Then, your doctor may increase your dosage by 10 mg every day during the first 5 days of treatment until you reach the recommended maintenance dosage. Typically, the maintenance dosage for this condition is 30 mg twice per day, starting on day 6.

For the treatment of plaque psoriasis in certain children, your child’s doctor will likely prescribe a dosage based on your child’s body weight. They’ll likely recommend a starting dosage schedule and a maintenance dosage. Typically, the maintenance dosage for children is 20 or 30 mg twice per day, depending on your child’s body weight.

If you have severe kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Otezla for treating this condition. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Otezla dosage.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

For treatment of psoriatic arthritis in adults, Otezla is usually taken twice per day. You’ll likely take the drug once in the morning and once in the evening.

When you first start taking the drug, your doctor may recommend that you take low doses of Otezla. For example, on day 1, your doctor may prescribe one lower strength tablet taken once in the morning.

Then, your doctor may increase your dosage by 10 mg every day during the first 5 days of treatment until you reach the recommended maintenance dosage. Typically, the maintenance dosage for this condition is 30 mg twice per day, starting on day 6.

If you have severe kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Otezla for treating this condition. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Otezla dosage.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Diarrhea (see below)
• Nausea (see below)
• Headache
• Infection in the nose or throat, or common cold symptoms, such as sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose