Otezla® Tablets for Psoriatic Arthritis

Otezla is an oral therapy for certain inflammatory skin and joint conditions. It is used for adults with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth ulcers linked to Behçet’s disease. You can explore Otezla price without insurance while benefiting from US delivery from Canada.

What Otezla Is and How It Works

Otezla® contains apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. By reducing PDE4 activity, it helps rebalance inflammatory signals in the body. The result can be less scaling, redness, swelling, and joint discomfort when used as directed.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Apremilast works inside immune cells to influence cytokines often involved in psoriasis and joint inflammation. It is a systemic therapy taken by mouth, so it may help multiple areas of the body. For background on the mechanism, see Apremilast Mechanism. To learn about its role in skin care, visit Oral Psoriasis Treatment.

Who It’s For

This medicine is approved for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from systemic treatment. It is also indicated for active psoriatic arthritis. Some adults with oral ulcers due to Behçet’s disease may also be candidates. Individuals with a history of severe depression or significant unintended weight loss should discuss risks. People taking strong enzyme inducers may need another option. Ask your prescriber if apremilast psoriatic arthritis therapy aligns with your plan.

Condition-focused pages can help you learn more: Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Oral Ulcers. Awareness resources are available in Psoriasis Awareness Month.

Dosage and Usage

The treatment begins with a short, label-directed titration over several days to help your body adjust. After that, most adults switch to a steady maintenance schedule taken twice daily. Swallow tablets whole with water. You can take doses with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with a meal may help. Stick to the same times each day to support consistent levels. Use exactly as prescribed on your label. A Otezla starter kit is often used to follow the day-by-day increase laid out in the official guide.

Your clinician may give different instructions if you have certain kidney issues. Do not split, crush, or chew tablets. If another medicine is added or stopped, ask whether that affects this therapy. For broader rheumatology support, see Rheumatology.

Strengths and Forms

Apremilast is supplied as film-coated tablets in multiple strengths, including a starter pack for titration and ongoing maintenance packs. Common presentations include Otezla 30 mg tablets as a maintenance option, with lower strengths used during the initial ramp-up phase. Availability may vary by partner pharmacy.

You can also explore dermatology options in Dermatology and filter by origin such as Canada.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet. Setting reminders or using a pill organizer can reduce missed doses and help you stay on track.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container to protect from moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in a bathroom where humidity can be high. When traveling, carry your prescription-labeled bottle in your hand luggage. Allow extra time for security and keep a copy of your prescription. If you cross time zones, maintain spacing between doses as consistently as possible.

For longer trips, pack an extra small supply separately in case a bottle is misplaced. Avoid excessive heat inside parked cars. Your order uses secure, encrypted checkout to protect your information.

Benefits

This treatment offers an oral, non-injectable option for systemic control of inflammatory skin and joint symptoms. It can be taken at home without clinic visits for injections or infusions. The class works inside immune pathways that contribute to plaques and joint tenderness. Consistent dosing may help maintain results. Convenience and portability suit busy schedules.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and upper respiratory symptoms. Some people report back pain, decreased appetite, or trouble sleeping. Many effects are mild and tend to improve after the titration period.

Serious or less common risks may involve depression or mood changes, significant weight loss, or severe diarrhea. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience worsening mood or thoughts of self-harm. Tell your prescriber about past depression or significant weight changes. If severe gastrointestinal symptoms occur, seek medical advice. Always read the Medication Guide and Patient Information that come with your prescription.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong enzyme inducers can lower apremilast levels and may reduce effectiveness. Examples include rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St. John’s wort. Combining with these agents is generally not recommended. Tell your clinician about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you take.

Use caution if you have a history of depression, significant unintentional weight loss, or severe kidney disease. Ask your prescriber if dose changes or extra monitoring are appropriate in those situations. Review the official label for full interaction and caution details.

What to Expect Over Time

Response to therapy varies. Some people notice gradual skin and joint improvement after a steady period on treatment. Consistent daily use tends to support results. Your prescriber may assess skin involvement, joint symptoms, and function over time. If your plan changes, follow your clinician’s guidance on next steps rather than stopping abruptly on your own.

Compare With Alternatives

Prescription options for psoriatic disease also include biologic agents. For example, your prescriber may consider IL-17 or IL-23 pathway treatments. You can read about two commonly used options here: Cosentyx and Skyrizi. Each therapy has its own dosing method, safety profile, and monitoring needs. Discuss the full picture with your clinician to choose an option that fits your goals and medical history.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent Canadian rates so you can compare options for your prescription. Your out-of-pocket will vary by dose, quantity, and your prescriber’s directions. Many patients look at Otezla monthly cost to plan a budget. Orders are filled by licensed partners and packaged for cross-border fulfilment. Ships from Canada to US to your address after prescription verification. To see seasonal savings and current offers, visit our Promotions page.

To review therapy topics and savings strategies, see our discussion on Canadian Importation Programs. For community education, explore World Psoriasis Day 2025.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply may vary by strength and pack. If a specific presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative based on your diagnosis and prior response. We do not substitute medications without a valid prescription indicating the change.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults who prefer an oral option and who are not good candidates for biologic injections. It may be less suitable for people with strong inducer drug regimens, severe renal impairment without adjustment, or those with recent severe depression. A valid Otezla prescription from your clinician is required.

To reduce costs, ask about multi-month supplies when appropriate. Fewer refills may lower per-fill fees. Consider setting refill reminders so you do not run out between visits. If your plan changes, talk with your prescriber before making any adjustments. For broader disease education, see Behcets Disease and our Oral Ulcers page.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Therapy goals: what improvements are reasonable for my condition?
• Titration plan: how should I follow the starter schedule?
• Monitoring: what side effects should I report right away?
• Interactions: do any of my medicines reduce its effect?
• Alternatives: if this does not suit me, which options fit my history?
• Follow-up: when should we reassess my response?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA Prescribing Information
• DailyMed: Apremilast
• Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? Add to cart for prompt, express shipping with US shipping from Canada after prescription verification. This page is informational and does not replace medical advice from your clinician.