Otezla is an oral pill made up of an antirheumatics drug called apremilast. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 30mg! Otezla is used for a few main conditions. These conditions include psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and mouth sores in those with Behcet’s disease.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes red, scaly rashes to appear commonly on the elbows, knees, ankles, feet, hands, and other areas. This condition occurs when the immune system “malfunctions” and attacks healthy tissue by mistake. Otezla (apremilast) is effective in treating this condition because it is able to decrease pain and swelling while also improving flexibility in the affected joints.

Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, raised patches covered with white dead skin cells called scales. Scales are usually painful and/or itchy and they typically appear on your elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can occur anywhere on the body. Doctors haven’t yet discovered what yet causes this condition, however, they have discovered that Otezla (apremilast) is capable of reducing the redness, thickness, and scaling of the skin that occurs with this condition, allowing it easier to deal with.

Mouth sores caused by Behcet’s disease, which is a rare disorder that causes blood vessels to become inflamed throughout the body, can also be treated with Otezla. These mouth sores look similar to canker sores; they are raised, round lesions in the mouth that quickly turn into painful ulcers. Otezla (apremilast) is effective at treating these mouth sores because of its ability to reduce pain and improve the healing process of the sores.

Only take this medication the way that your doctor has directed you too. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or adverse interactions.

This medication may be taken with or without food, but should not be crushed, chewed, or broken open; swallow this pill whole.

During treatment, it is recommended you keep track of your body weight and tell your doctor about any major weight loss.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use Otezla (apremilast)

Do not use this product if you are allergic to apremilast.

This product is not approved for those under the age of 18, unless suggested by a doctor.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or actions, kidney disease, or if you take HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or seizure medications.

Risks

Some people who take Otezla find themselves having thought of suicide or become depressed. Your doctor may want to check you regularly to ensure this does not happen. Ensure yourself and at least one other house hold member is monitoring you for mental/mood changes.

It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medication.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast feeding.

Common side effects of Otezla (apremilast) may include:

nausea, diarrhea; headache; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Otezla (apremilast) may include:

unexplained weight loss, or if you lose a lot of weight; mood changes, new or worsening depression; or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

allergic reaction: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy, red, or watering eyes (conjunctivitis), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, a raised itchy, red rash (hives) or swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.

What is the average dose for an adult with psoriatic arthritis?

The average dose is as follows:

1.       Initial dose:

i)        Day 1: 10 mg once a day (AM)

ii)       Day 2: 10 mg twice a day (AM and PM)

iii)     Day 3: 10 mg once a day (AM); 20 mg once a day (PM)

iv)     Day 4: 20 mg twice a day (AM and PM)

v)      Day 5: 20 mg once a day (AM); 30 mg once a day (PM)

2)      Maintenance dose:  

i)        30 mg twice a day (AM and PM)

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you next dose is approaching soon, skip the miss dose and continue your next dose as scheduled. Do not double up on medication to make up for the missed dose.

Can I drink alcohol while using this drug?

Currently, there are no interactions between alcohol and apremilast, therefore, you are free to consume alcohol. However, you should still consult your doctor to find how more about consuming alcohol on this drug.