Otezla® Tablets for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Apremilast is an oral treatment for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It also treats oral ulcers linked to Behçet disease. If you are comparing Apremilast without insurance, this page explains how it’s used, who it may suit, and how to order with US delivery from Canada.

What Otezla Is and How It Works

Otezla® is the brand name for apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. By reducing PDE4 activity, this medicine helps decrease inflammatory signals involved in skin plaques, joint pain, swelling, and mouth ulcers in Behçet disease. It is taken by mouth, which many patients prefer over injections. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Many people start on this treatment after discussing options for Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis. This class can be an option when topical therapies or conventional systemic medicines are not enough, or when an oral option is preferred over biologic injections. When you read about Otezla tablets, remember that individual suitability depends on your medical history and current medicines.

For added background on the pathway and targets, see our overview of the Apremilast Mechanism and a practical review in Otezla Uses. Broader skin-focused content is collected under Dermatology.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet disease. It may be considered when symptoms affect quality of life, or when other treatments were not well tolerated. People with a history of depression or unexplained weight loss should discuss risks, as mood changes and weight decrease have been reported.

Those with known hypersensitivity to any component should avoid it. The official label advises caution in severe kidney problems; clinicians may follow reduced-dosing guidance from the label in those cases. Discuss pregnancy, plans to conceive, or breastfeeding with your prescriber before starting. For broad condition education and support, explore Behcets Disease resources.

Dosage and Usage

Apremilast is taken by mouth, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed, split, or chewed. A short starter schedule is commonly used to gradually reach the maintenance dose; this helps the body adjust. The label includes step-up instructions during the first few days before ongoing dosing is established.

If you experience nausea or diarrhea early on, small, frequent meals, fluids, and taking the tablet with food can help. Do not change your dose or stop without speaking to your prescriber. If you have significant kidney issues, clinicians may follow the official label’s reduced-dose schedule.

Keep a simple routine to avoid missed doses. Pair each dose with a daily habit, and set reminders on your phone. For joint and skin symptoms, your healthcare professional may review progress after a period on therapy and decide whether to continue.

Strengths and Forms

Apremilast is supplied as oral tablets. Commonly published strengths include 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg tablets, and a starter pack that uses a short titration to the regular dose. Availability may vary by partner pharmacy, inventory, and country of origin. Some patients know this medicine by its generic name; in listings, you may see Apremilast. For additional condition context, see Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis hubs.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next one. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed tablet and resume your normal schedule. Do not double up. Consistency matters, so set alarms and keep tablets where you will see them at the right time. If you are in the starter phase, follow the printed day-by-day card from the package or the instructions from your prescriber. Keep a simple log if you need help staying organized.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container with the label intact. Keep them dry and away from excess heat or humidity, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that are damaged or past the labeled date. When traveling, keep your medicine in your carry-on, bring a copy of your prescription, and use a small pill organizer only if it preserves the correct labeling for security checks. Our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required. For general dermatology topics that may help ahead of trips, browse Dermatology.

Benefits

This treatment can reduce scaling, redness, and thickness of plaques in psoriasis. In psoriatic arthritis, it may help with joint tenderness, swelling, and enthesitis. People often appreciate that it is an oral therapy without routine lab monitoring requirements in the label. It avoids needles and can fit into daily life more easily than clinic-based infusions. Your clinician will weigh benefits against risks based on your case.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite or weight decrease

Serious risks can include hypersensitivity reactions, severe diarrhea, or mood changes including depression. Tell your healthcare professional about any history of depression or suicidal thoughts. If severe gastrointestinal symptoms, allergic reactions, or concerning mood changes occur, seek medical help promptly. Weight should be monitored in underweight patients or those with unintentional loss. Read the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information for complete safety details.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong enzyme inducers can lower apremilast levels and reduce effectiveness. This includes rifampin, certain seizure medicines such as carbamazepine or phenytoin, and herbal St. John’s wort. Always share all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products with your prescriber. The label notes dose adjustment for severe renal impairment. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations before starting; your clinician can review the latest labeling. If you have longstanding gastrointestinal conditions, report any new or severe symptoms promptly.

What to Expect Over Time

Some people notice early changes in skin comfort or joint stiffness as they settle into the routine. Others find progress is gradual. Your healthcare professional will usually assess both skin and joint measures over a period on treatment. Keep using the tablets as directed unless your prescriber advises otherwise. Address barriers to adherence, like travel or busy schedules, by setting reminders and arranging timely refills. If the response is not adequate, your prescriber may consider alternatives based on your diagnosis and prior therapies.

Compare With Alternatives

For moderate to severe disease, biologic options such as Cosentyx or Taltz are often considered when an oral option is not suitable or response is limited. These injectable therapies target different inflammatory pathways and are used under clinician guidance. If you are weighing oral versus injectable approaches, our article on Cosentyx Uses offers background to discuss with your prescriber. While on an oral regimen, avoid assuming equivalence with biologics; the best choice depends on your goals, comorbidities, and coverage.

Pricing and Access

We work to make Canadian-sourced options straightforward for U.S. patients, including transparent listings and clear checkout. If you are paying cash, many patients look for Otezla Canadian pricing to understand typical savings versus local rates. We also display details that help those comparing Otezla cash price across pharmacies. For current offers, see our Promotions.

You can view available pack sizes and place your order once your prescription is ready. This product Ships from Canada to US. Checkout is encrypted, and our team coordinates prescription verification with your prescriber before dispensing. For broader education and support, see community features like Psoriasis Awareness Month and World Psoriasis Day 2025.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock and supply may vary. If a specific pack is unavailable, your prescriber may suggest an appropriate alternative or timing adjustment. Our pharmacists can only dispense exactly what your prescription authorizes. For related conditions and options, explore Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis pages. For shipping expectations, some patients search for Otezla ships to US; we clarify route and partner pharmacy fulfillment at checkout.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates can take an oral therapy consistently, review mood history with a clinician, and agree to weight monitoring if needed. Not all patients will be suited, especially those with certain drug interactions or uncontrolled comorbidities. To reduce costs, consider multi-month supplies when appropriate, set refill reminders, and compare totals for Otezla out of pocket versus other options. Review coverage specifics with your plan. If paying cash, use our site tools to compare listings in one place. For country-of-origin transparency, see Canada.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Suitability check: Is this oral PDE4 inhibitor appropriate for my condition?
• Safety review: How will we monitor mood, weight, and GI tolerability?
• Interactions: Do any of my medicines lower effectiveness through enzyme induction?
• Pregnancy planning: What should we discuss if I am pregnant or planning?
• Goals: How will we measure skin and joint progress over time?
• Alternatives: When would an injectable biologic be a better fit?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information | Health Canada DPD | Manufacturer Safety Information

Place your order when ready, and complete checkout with prompt, express shipping and US shipping from Canada. This page is informational and does not replace medical advice; always follow your prescriber and the official label.