Uses
What is Otezla used for?
Otezla (apremilast) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Plaque psoriasis, which is a type of skin condition
- Psoriatic arthritis, which is a condition that causes inflamed joints in people with psoriasis
- Mouth sores (ulcers) from Behcet’s disease
Learn more about Navigating Psoriasis With Otezla.
Learn more about Navigating Psoriatic Arthritis With Otezla.
Otezla may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Otezla work (mechanism of action)?
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, or Behcet’s disease are caused by inflammation from an overactive immune system. Otezla works by blocking a protein inside cells that is thought to contribute to inflammation.
How is Otezla supplied (dosage forms)?
Otezla is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 10 mg oral tablets
- 20 mg oral tablets
- 30 mg oral tablets
How should I store Otezla?
Otezla should be stored at temperatures below 86 F (30 C).
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Otezla?
The most common side effects of Otezla are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea (see below)
- Nausea (see below)
- Headache
- Infection in the nose or throat, or common cold symptoms, such as sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose
There may be other side effects of Otezla that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Otezla?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Otezla are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Otezla may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Otezla and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Severe Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting. Otezla may cause severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are more likely in the first few weeks of taking Otezla. Fluid loss from severe diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and may need to be treated in the hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting with any of the following symptoms of dehydration.
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Feeling thirsty
- Confusion
- Peeing less than normal
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
- Seizures
Depression. Otezla may cause depression. Some people have had to stop taking Otezla because of depression and a small number of people have had suicidal thoughts or actions. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away right away if you have any of the following symptoms of depression or signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless almost every day for at least 2 weeks
- Little or no interest in activities you usually enjoy
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- New or worsening anxiety, depressed mood, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Weight loss. Otezla may cause weight loss. Monitor your weight (and height, in children) regularly while taking Otezla. Notify your healthcare provider if unexplained or major weight loss occurs.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not take Otezla?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Otezla.
- Otezla
- Apremilast
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Otezla.
What should I know about Otezla before taking it?
Do not take Otezla unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Otezla with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Otezla out of the reach of children.
Do not chew, cut, or crush Otezla tablets. Swallow the medicine whole.
People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk for certain problems related to side effects from Otezla. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Otezla?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Otezla is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Otezla may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Otezla, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Severe Kidney Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if there is a concern about the health of your kidneys. They may do tests to determine how well your kidneys are working and, if appropriate, prescribe a lower dosage of Otezla for you.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Otezla could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Otezla while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, you can register for the Otezla Pregnancy Registry by calling 877-311-8972 or visiting mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/otezla. This registry collects safety information about the use of Otezla during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Otezla passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Otezla while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Otezla?
For more information about Otezla, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.otezla.com or call them at 844-468-3952.
Interactions
Does Otezla interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Otezla and foods or drinks.
You may take Otezla with or without food.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Otezla.
Does Otezla interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Otezla.
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
- Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Otezla. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Otezla. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally take too much Otezla?
If you or someone else has taken too much Otezla, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Otezla?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.