Apremilast

Apremilast  is a prescription medication used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth ulcers in Behcet’s disease. Apremilast improves the symptoms of plaque psoriasis, including scaling, itching, and skin redness, and reduces symptoms in the nails and scalp. When used to treat psoriatic arthritis, apremilast helps reduce inflammation, joint swelling, and pain.

Benefits

• Helps reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in psoriatic arthritis
• Improves red, scaly skin patches in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
• Can also be used for oral ulcers in Behçet’s disease
• Non-biologic option — no injections required
• Easy-to-take tablet form taken twice daily

Dosage

• Usually started on a gradual dose increase over the first 5 days to reduce side effects
• Maintenance dose is typically 30 mg twice daily
• Take with or without food
• Swallow tablets whole — do not crush or chew
• Always follow the dosing plan your doctor gives you

Warnings and Precautions

• May cause weight loss — monitor your weight during treatment
• Can lead to depression or mood changes — tell your doctor if you feel unusually sad or anxious
• Not recommended for people with severe kidney problems unless dose is adjusted
• May interact with other medications — inform your doctor of all the medicines you take
• Not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed

How to Use

• Take exactly as prescribed, at the same times each day
• Drink a full glass of water with each dose
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — if it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not suddenly stop taking it without medical advice

Storage

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C)
• Keep tablets in their original container
• Protect from moisture and heat
• Keep out of reach of children

Side Effects

• Common: diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite
• Other possible: weight loss, back pain, cold-like symptoms
• Serious (seek help): mood changes, signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing), severe diarrhea or vomiting leading to dehydration