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Compare Otezla vs. Cosentyx

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Otezla (apremilast) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they belong to different medication classes. Otezla is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor taken by mouth twice daily, while Cosentyx is an interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor injected under the skin once monthly. Otezla is also approved for treating mouth sores from Behçet’s disease, whereas Cosentyx is used for conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Otezla requires a gradual increase in dosage to minimize side effects like nausea and diarrhea, while Cosentyx is typically started with a series of weekly injections followed by monthly maintenance doses. Generic versions of Otezla are FDA-approved but not yet available, whereas Cosentyx is a biologic medication and does not have a generic version. Common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea and nausea, while Cosentyx may increase the risk for infections, including the common cold. Additionally, because Cosentyx can increase the risk of infections it is not recommended with live vaccines.

  • Otezla (apremilast)
    Cosentyx (secukinumab)
  • Otezla (apremilast)
    Cosentyx (secukinumab)

  • Summary of Otezla vs. Cosentyx

    Summary for PDE-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It's used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. This medication belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors. You usually start Otezla (apremilast) at a low dose. Then, the dose is slowly raised over 5 days to lower the risk of side effects like nausea and diarrhea. This medication is available as a brand-name medication. Generic versions of apremilast likely won't be available until at least 2028.

    Summary for Interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist
    Prescription only

    Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that helps treat many inflammatory conditions. This includes psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. The medication works as an interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. It's usually injected under the skin once a month. You use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, it can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects can include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach. Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a brand-name medication.

  • Indications of Otezla vs. Cosentyx

    Indications for
    •Active psoriatic arthritis in adults
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in people age 6 years and older weighing at least 44 lbs
    •Mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults
    Indications for
    •Plaque psoriasis (PsO) in people 6 years and older
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in people 2 years and older
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults
    •Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults
    •Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults
    •Enthesitis-related arthritis in children 4 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Otezla vs. Cosentyx

    Pros and Const for PDE-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can take with or without food
    •Dose adjustment available for people with severe kidney problems
    Cons
    •Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning
    •Common to have nausea or diarrhea in the beginning
    •Might not be a good option for people who've had depression or suicidal behavior
    Pros and Const for Interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist
    Pros
    •Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)
    •Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections
    •Okay for some children (with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or enthesitis-related arthritis)
    •Few side effects
    Cons
    •Must be given as an injection
    •Might raise the risk of infections
    •Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
    •Pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Otezla vs. Cosentyx

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold (11%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)

  • Warnings of Otezla vs. Cosentyx

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infection
    •Caution when getting vaccines
    •Eczema-like skin reaction
    •Allergic reaction
    •Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Prices with our coupons for Otezla vs. Cosentyx

    Learn more about Otezla
    Learn more about Cosentyx

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