Otezla is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcers in certain people. Otezla contains the active ingredient apremilast and belongs to the disease-modifying antirheumatics drug class.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Otezla to treat:
- plaque psoriasis in certain adults
- active (currently causing symptoms) psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in certain adults and children
- ulcers (mouth sores) in adults with Behçet’s disease
Drug details
You’ll find key information about Otezla below.
- Drug form: oral tablet
- Generic available? no
- Prescription required? yes
- Controlled substance? no
- Year of FDA approval: 2014
As with all medications, the cost of Otezla can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Before approving coverage for Otezla, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.
If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Otezla, contact your insurance company.
Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Otezla, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
Amgen, the manufacturer of Otezla, offers a copay card that may reduce the cost of Otezla. The manufacturer also has a program called Amgen SupportPlus, which may assist you in finding ways to lower the cost of Otezla. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, see the end of this section or call 844-468-3952.
Generic version: Otezla is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article. And for more information about the cost of Otezla, see this article.
Otezla contains the drug apremilast. It’s not available as a generic drug. Apremilast is only available as Otezla.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
Otezla can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Otezla. This list doesn’t include all possible side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of Otezla or for tips on managing a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs they have approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Otezla, you can do so through MedWatch.
More common side effects
The following list includes some mild side effects from Otezla. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or visit Otezla’s prescribing information.
The more common side effects of Otezla include:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- headache
- respiratory infection
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- fatigue
- insomnia
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- back pain
Most of these effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- allergic reaction*
- severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- depression
- thoughts of suicide
* Allergic reaction wasn’t reported in clinical trials but has occurred since the drug was approved.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?â€
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Side effects in children
The FDA has approved Otezla to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in certain children ages 6 years and older. In clinical studies of Otezla, side effects reported by children were very similar to side effects reported by adults with plaque psoriasis.
However, during treatment with Otezla, your child’s doctor will likely monitor their body weight and height for unexpected changes. This is because weight loss is a possible side effect of Otezla. If your child experiences growth changes while taking Otezla, their doctor may recommend that they stop taking the drug. But do not make any changes to your child’s treatment plan without first talking with their doctor.
For more information about side effects of Otezla in children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Side effect details
You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause. For additional details about side effects, see this article.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Otezla. Allergic reactions weren’t reported in clinical trials of Otezla but have occurred since the drug was approved.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- difficulty breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Otezla. But call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Cancer
People who have psoriasis have a slightly increased risk for certain types of cancer. There’s also a concern that some of the medications that treat psoriasis might increase the risk of some types of cancer.
However, a 2017 safety analysis on apremilast, the drug contained in Otezla, noted that it doesn’t increase the risk of cancer in people who have psoriasis.
Headaches
Headache is a common side effect reported by people who take Otezla. It may be more common in certain people taking the drug, depending on the condition they are taking it to treat.
Usually, people experience a milder tension headache. But some people may experience a migraine headache, which is more severe.
These side effects usually go away with continued use of Otezla. If they bother you or don’t go away, talk with your doctor.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Otezla to treat certain conditions.
Otezla is FDA approved to treat three conditions:
- plaque psoriasis in certain adults
- active (currently causing symptoms) psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in certain adults and children
- mouth ulcers caused by Behçet’s disease in certain adults
People with plaque psoriasis and PsA often take Otezla in combination with other medications such as methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall, others), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), leflunomide (Arava), or others.
Otezla for PsA
Otezla is approved to treat active PsA in adults. PsA is a condition that involves the swollen, sore joints of arthritis and the skin lesions of psoriasis. Skin lesions due to psoriasis are usually itchy, discolored patches. Sometimes, the lesions can affect your scalp.
For more information about your condition, you can visit our arthritis hub.
Otezla for plaque psoriasis
Otezla is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in certain adults and children. Specifically, it can be used in people who are candidates for phototherapy (light therapy) or systemic therapy (treatment that affects the entire body).
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It’s characterized by thick discolored patches of skin that often have a silver or white scaly layer.
To learn about Otezla for use in children with plaque psoriasis, see the following “Otezla and children†section.
For more information about your condition, you can visit our psoriasis hub.
Otezla for mouth ulcers caused by Behçet’s disease
Otezla is approved to treat mouth ulcers that occur with Behçet’s disease.
Behçet’s disease is an autoimmune disease. It causes damage to certain blood vessels that can lead to sores in your mouth, rashes, and other symptoms.
Otezla and children
Otezla is approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in certain children ages 6 years and older who weigh at least 20 kilograms (kg), or about 44 pounds (lb). Specifically, it’s approved for children with this condition who are candidates for phototherapy (light therapy) or systemic therapy (treatment that affects the entire body).
For more information about Otezla treatment for children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Otezla for other conditions
In addition to the uses listed above, Otezla may be used off-label for other uses. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved for one use is used for a different one that’s not approved. And you may wonder if Otezla is used for certain other conditions. Below is information on other possible uses for Otezla.
Otezla for other forms of psoriasis (not an approved use)
There are several forms of psoriasis, but Otezla is only approved to treat active plaque psoriasis.
However, Otezla is used off-label for adults with guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis. It’s not recommended for off-label use in treating erythrodermic psoriasis.
If you have questions about treatment options for psoriasis, talk with your doctor. For more information about your condition, you can also visit our psoriasis hub.
Otezla for eczema (not an approved use)
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, can result in long-lasting or recurring rashes on the face, head, or arms and legs.
A small 2018 study evaluated Otezla for treating adults with eczema and found that it reduced itching and the severity of eczema. However, treatment guidelines do not currently recommend Otezla for treating eczema.
If you’d like to know about treatment options for eczema, talk with your doctor. For more information about your condition, you can also visit our eczema hub.
Otezla for rheumatoid arthritis (not an approved use)
Currently, the
One
If you’d like to learn about treatment options for RA, talk with your doctor. For more information about your condition, you can also visit our RA hub.
Alcohol is not known to interact with Otezla. However, drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, while taking Otezla might add to or worsen some side effects from Otezla.
Worsened side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue.
If you have questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while taking Otezla, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Otezla can interact with several medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.
Before taking Otezla, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
For more information about Otezla and interactions, see this in-depth article.
Otezla and other medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Otezla. This list doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Otezla.
Different drug interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug metabolism inducers
Several medications can make an enzyme (a type of protein) called cytochrome P450 3A4 more active in your body. Taking these drugs with Otezla can cause your body to metabolize (get rid of) Otezla more quickly than usual. It can also make Otezla less effective.
Examples of these medications include:
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol)
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- primidone (Mysoline)
- rifampin (Rifadin)
Herbs and supplements
Herbs and supplements can sometimes interact with medications.
St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort can make an enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 more active in your body. Because of this, taking St. John’s wort with Otezla can cause your body to get rid of Otezla more quickly than usual. This can make Otezla less effective.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Otezla.
Does Otezla cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a side effect that’s been found in clinical studies of Otezla. However, some people have experienced hair loss while taking Otezla. It’s not clear if Otezla is the cause.
Psoriasis, especially scalp psoriasis, can cause hair loss.
Is Otezla an anti-inflammatory drug?
No, Otezla is not classified as an anti-inflammatory drug. Although it does reduce inflammation, Otezla does not belong to the class of drugs called anti-inflammatories.
Is Otezla an immunosuppressant?
Yes, Otezla is an immunosuppressant. This means the drug lowers (suppresses) the activity of your immune system. Specifically, Otezla works by reducing inflammation due to an overactive immune system.
Is Otezla a biologic?
No, Otezla is not a biologic. Biologics are drugs that are made using living organisms, such as immune system cells. Otezla is made from chemicals (as many drugs are).
Otezla is an immunosuppressant drug that works by lowering (suppressing) the activity of your immune system.
To learn about how Otezla compares with biologic drugs, see the following “Otezla vs. biologics†section.
How does Otezla cause weight loss?
Many people who take Otezla lose weight. There may be several factors that lead to Otezla-related weight loss.
Otezla blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4). In addition to its effects on inflammation, this enzyme is involved in energy metabolism. In animals, blocking this enzyme caused them to be leaner, with smaller fat cells. The same effect may apply in humans.
Also, some people who take Otezla may have a reduced appetite or diarrhea as a side effect. These effects might also cause weight loss.
I’ve always used creams for my psoriasis. How does a pill help treat my psoriasis?
When you apply creams and other medications to your skin, your skin absorbs the medication. They reduce inflammation and excessive cell growth in the area around where you apply the medication. These drugs are usually the first medications that doctors recommend to treat psoriasis.
Pills for psoriasis work from the inside out. They work throughout the body by blocking the body’s production of chemical messengers that cause inflammation and cell overgrowth on the skin.
I’ve heard that Otezla causes a lot of nausea and vomiting. How can I prevent this?
Yes, many people who take Otezla can have some nausea or vomiting. This will most likely occur in the first 2 weeks of taking the medication. For most people, it’s not severe, and it often goes away with continued use of the drug.
If your nausea doesn’t go away or becomes severe, talk with your doctor. To help prevent nausea and vomiting, your doctor may lower your dosage of Otezla. If this doesn’t help, your doctor may recommend stopping Otezla and trying a different treatment.
When you start taking Otezla, your doctor will gradually increase your dosage until you reach the standard dose. Your doctor may follow a specific schedule that the drug manufacturer recommends.
The following information describes the dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.
To learn more about Otezla’s dosages, see this comprehensive article.
Forms and strengths
Otezla comes as tablets that you take by mouth. It’s available in the following strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, and 30 mg.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Behçet’s disease
When you first start taking Otezla, your doctor will likely increase your dosage gradually over 5 days. This is to help reduce gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
The adult dosing schedule for Otezla is as follows:
| Day of treatment | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning: 10 mg |
| Day 2 | Morning: 10 mg Evening: 10 mg |
| Day 3 | Morning: 10 mg Evening: 20 mg |
| Day 4 | Morning: 20 mg Evening: 20 mg |
| Day 5 | Morning: 20 mg Evening: 30 mg |
| Day 6 and after | Morning: 30 mg Evening: 30 mg |
Children’s dosage
Otezla’s dosage for children (ages 6 years and older) with plaque psoriasis will be determined by their weight. When a child first starts taking Otezla, their doctor will likely increase the dosage gradually over 5 days. This is to help reduce gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
The children’s dosing schedule for Otezla is as follows:
| Day of treatment | Dosage for children who weigh 20 to less than 50 kg | Dosage for children who weigh 50 kg or more |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning dose: 10 mg Evening dose: none | Morning dose: 10 mg Evening dose: none |
| Day 2 | Morning dose: 10 mg Evening dose: 10 mg | Morning dose: 10 mg Evening dose: 10 mg |
| Day 3 | Morning dose: 10 mg Evening dose: 20 mg | Morning dose: 10 mg Evening dose: 20 mg |
| Day 4 | Morning dose: 20 mg Evening dose: 20 mg | Morning dose: 20 mg Evening dose: 20 mg |
| Day 5 | Morning dose: 20 mg Evening dose: 20 mg | Morning dose: 20 mg Evening dose: 30 mg |
| Day 6 and after | Morning dose: 20 mg Evening dose: 20 mg | Morning dose: 30 mg Evening dose: 30 mg |
Dosage considerations
If you have kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe a different dosage. They may recommend that you or your child only take the morning doses and skip the evening dose. On day 6 and after, you or your child will likely continue to take Otezla once daily in the morning.
Your doctor may also prescribe a lower dosage if you’ve experienced bothersome side effects, such as serious diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, just take that one dose. Don’t try to catch up by taking two doses at once.
Stopping Otezla does not cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is used to.) However, you should still talk with your doctor before stopping this medication. And keep in mind that if you do stop taking it, the symptoms of your condition may return.
The manufacturer of Otezla offers information and support for people taking Otezla through a special program. This program, called Amgen SupportPlus, also provides information on how to reduce costs for the drug. To learn more, you can see the “Otezla cost and coupons†section.
Several types of drugs can treat psoriasis, Psoriatic arthritis (PsA, and Behçet’s disease, which are the conditions Otezla is approved to treat.
Note: Some of the drugs in the following list are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.
Other DMARDs
Otezla belongs to a class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Other DMARDs that treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or Behçet’s disease include:
- leflunomide (Arava)
- methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall, others)
- sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Medications from other drug classes
Medications in other drug classes may also be used as alternatives to Otezla for certain diseases. Examples of these drugs include:
- retinoids for psoriasis, PsA, or Behçet’s disease, such as:
- acitretin
- isotretinoin (Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, others)
- immunosuppressants for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or Behçet’s disease, such as:
- azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran)
- cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- biologics for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, such as:
Herbs and supplements
Some people also use herbs and dietary supplements as a remedy for psoriasis, PsA, or Behçet’s disease. Examples of these supplements include:
- aloe cream
- fish oil
- saffron
- St. John’s wort ointment
Be sure to talk with your doctor before trying any herb or dietary supplement as a remedy psoriasis or PsA. For most of these supplements, either there’s very little research showing that they work, or research findings are inconsistent.
You may wonder how certain drugs, such as Humira, compare to Otezla.
Otezla and Humira (adalimumab) belong to different medication classes. A medication class describes a group of drugs that work in the same way. Otezla is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Humira, on the other hand, is a biologic therapy that’s in a class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors.
Use
Both Otezla and Humira are FDA approved for treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults. And both drugs are approved to treat certain conditions in children.
However, Humira is also FDA approved to treat many other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and others. In addition, Otezla is approved to treat mouth sores in adults with Behçet’s disease.
Both medications can be taken by themselves or along with other medications for these uses.
Forms and administration
Otezla comes as a tablet that you typically take by mouth twice daily.
Humira is a subcutaneous injection you receive every other week or every week, depending on the condition being treated.
Effectiveness
Both Otezla and Humira are effective for treating psoriasis and PsA. They haven’t been directly compared in clinical studies. To learn more about the effectiveness of these drugs, you can see the prescribing information for Otezla and Humira.
When comparing drugs, keep in mind that your doctor will make treatment recommendations based on your individual needs. They’ll consider several factors, such as your age, other conditions you may have, your risk for side effects, and how severe your condition is.
Side effects and risks
Otezla and Humira have some similar side effects and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.
| Both Otezla and Humira | Otezla | Humira | |
| More common side effects | • respiratory infection • headache • nausea • abdominal pain • back pain | • diarrhea • fatigue • decreased appetite • weight loss | • sinusitis • flu-like symptoms • rash • high cholesterol • urinary tract infections • injection-site reactions |
| Serious side effects | • allergic reaction | • severe diarrhea • severe nausea and vomiting • depression • thoughts of suicide | • heart failure • blood disorders • serious infections such as tuberculosis • cancer • nervous system conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome • lupus-like syndrome |
Costs
Otezla and Humira are available only as brand-name drugs. They don’t have generic forms, which are typically less expensive than brand-name versions.
You may wonder how Otezla compares with Enbrel. Otezla contains the active drug apremilast, and Enbrel contains etanercept.
Both drugs are FDA-approved to treat psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adults. However, Otezla and Enbrel are also approved for other conditions.
For example, Otezla is prescribed for mouth sores caused by Behçet’s disease in adults. And Enbrel is prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis in certain adults.
Otezla and Enbrel are available in different forms. Otezla comes as an oral tablet, while Enbrel comes as a solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection.
For more details about these drugs, you can refer to the prescribing information for Otezla and Enbrel. Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide more information about how the drugs compare.
You may wonder how certain drugs, such as Stelara (ustekinumab), compare to Otezla.
Otezla and Stelara belong to different medication classes. A medication class describes a group of drugs that work in the same way. Otezla is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Stelara is a biologic that’s in a class of drugs called interleukin inhibitors.
Use
Both Otezla and Stelara are FDA-approved to treat:
- plaque psoriasis in adults and some children ages 6 years and older
- psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults
In addition, Stelara is FDA approved to treat PsA in children ages 6 years and older. The drug is also approved to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in adults.
Otezla is also approved to treat mouth sores in adults with Behçet’s disease.
Both medications can be taken by themselves or along with other medications for these uses.
Forms and administration
Otezla comes as a tablet that you typically take by mouth twice daily.
Stelara is available as a subcutaneous injection, and as a solution you receive by intravenous (IV) infusion. (With an IV infusion, the drug is injected into your vein over a period of time.) Dosages of Stelara depend on your age, weight, and the condition you’re treating.
Effectiveness
Both Otezla and Stelara are effective for treating plaque psoriasis and PsA. These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical studies. To learn more about the effectiveness of these drugs, you can see the prescribing information for Otezla and Stelara.
When comparing drugs, keep in mind that your doctor will make treatment choices based on your individual needs. They’ll consider several factors, such as your age, other conditions you may have, your risk of side effects, and the severity of your condition.
Side effects and risks
Otezla and Stelara have some similar side effects and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.
| Both Otezla and Stelara | Otezla | Stelara | |
| More common side effects | • respiratory infection • headache • fatigue • diarrhea • back pain • abdominal pain • nausea | • decreased appetite weight loss | • dizziness • itchiness • throat pain |
| Serious side effects | • allergic reaction | • severe diarrhea • severe nausea and vomiting • depression • thoughts of suicide | • serious infection • pneumonia (not caused by infections) • cancer |
Costs
Otezla and Stelara are only available as brand-name drugs. Generic forms, which are typically less expensive than brand-name versions, are not available.
Taking too much of this medication can increase your risk for serious side effects.
Overdose symptoms
Symptoms of an overdose of Otezla may include:
- severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- headache
- fatigue
- dizziness
What to do in case of overdose
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Overdose treatment
Treatment of an overdose will depend on the symptoms that occur. A doctor may order certain tests to monitor for side effects. Sometimes, they may even prescribe intravenous (IV) fluids.
If you can become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are using birth control, it’s important to consider whether Otezla is a safe choice for you.
You can refer to this article for more information. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor.
Otezla and biologic medications can both be used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. But keep in mind that Otezla isn’t a biologic.
Biologics are drugs that are made from living organisms, such as immune system cells. Otezla, however, is made from chemicals (as many drugs are).
Otezla is an immunosuppressant drug that works by lowering (suppressing) the activity of your immune system.
Here are some points to consider when comparing Otezla to biologic drugs:
In some instances , biologic drugs may carry more risks of potentially serious side effects.- Biologic drugs are often more expensive than Otezla. This is because biologics typically cost more to research and manufacture than traditional drugs such as Otezla.
- Otezla is a tablet that you take by mouth. Biologic therapies are all given by injection.
Keep in mind that your doctor will make treatment choices based on your individual needs. They’ll consider several factors, such as your age, other conditions you may have, your risk for side effects, and the severity of your condition.
There are various types of biologic therapies. Examples include:
- tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, such as:
- interleukin 12 and 23 inhibitors, such as:
- ustekinumab (Stelara)
- interleukin 17 inhibitors, such as:
- interleukin 23 inhibitors, such as:
- guselkumab (Tremfya)
- T-cell inhibitors, such as:
- abatacept (Orencia)
Biologics are medications that can be made from sugars, proteins, or nucleic acids, or from microorganisms, tissues, or cells. Traditional drugs are usually made from chemicals or plants.
Otezla is typically taken twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening. However, some people, such as those with kidney problems, may take it just once per day, in the morning.
You can take Otezla on an empty stomach or with food.
You should swallow Otezla tablets whole. You should not crush, split, or chew them.
Otezla works in a unique way compared to other medications that treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or Behçet’s disease. It blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), which is found in immune cells.
By blocking this enzyme, Otezla decreases the body’s production of inflammatory molecules. The actions of these molecules can lead to the symptoms of plaque psoriasis, PsA, and Behçet’s disease. Therefore, decreasing their production helps reduce symptoms.
When the pharmacist dispenses Otezla, they will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The purpose of such expiration dates is to guarantee the effectiveness of the medication during this time.
The
Storage
How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. You should store Otezla at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C).
Disposal
If you no longer need to take Otezla and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.
Before taking Otezla, talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have. Otezla may not be appropriate for you if you have certain medical conditions. These include:
- Depression: Depressed mood can occur in some people who take Otezla. Some people experience thoughts of suicide while taking Otezla. Although this isn’t common, it may be more likely in people who have had depression in the past.
- Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, you may need to take a lower dosage of Otezla.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction while taking Otezla or to any of its ingredients, you should not take Otezla. Your doctor can recommend another drug that can treat your condition.
- Pregnancy: If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. For more information, see this article on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control.
- Breastfeeding: If you’re breastfeeding or are planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. For more information, see this article on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control.
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Otezla, see the “Otezla side effects†section.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
