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Compare Otezla vs. Enbrel

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

Key takeaways

Otezla (apremilast) and Enbrel (etanercept) are both used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Otezla is a tablet taken daily, while Enbrel is given as an injection. Otezla is available in a generic form, but it likely won't be on the market until at least 2028, whereas Enbrel is only available as a brand-name product and can be expensive. Otezla is used for conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Behçet’s disease, while Enbrel treats rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and childhood arthritis. Otezla can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss, while Enbrel can increase the risk of serious infections and certain cancers.

  • Otezla (apremilast)
    Enbrel (etanercept)
  • Otezla (apremilast)
    Enbrel (etanercept)

  • Summary of Otezla vs. Enbrel

    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 Biologic DMARD
    Prescription only

    Enbrel (etanercept) is a weekly injection used for many autoimmune conditions. Currently, it's only available as a brand-name product and can be expensive.

  • Indications of Otezla vs. Enbrel

    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
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Childhood arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)

  • Pros and Cons of Otezla vs. Enbrel

    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 Biologic DMARD
    Pros
    •Available in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy-at-home injections
    •Can be used in children age 2 and older for certain indications (JIA)
    •Can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days
    •Manufacturer offers copay card for people with commercial insurance
    •Not many side effects other than infection and redness and irritation at the injection site
    Cons
    •Raises risk of serious infections
    •Can cause the hepatitis B virus to reappear if you have a history of infection
    •Lymphoma and other cancers have been reported in people taking Enbrel (etanercept)
    •Available only as a brand medication so it can be expensive and isn't always covered by insurance
    •Needs to be given every week, unlike Humira (adalimumab), which is given every other week

  • Common Side Effects of Otezla vs. Enbrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infection (including common cold/flu) (50%)
    •Injection site reaction (37%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)

  • Warnings of Otezla vs. Enbrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Cancers
    •Nervous system effects
    •Heart failure
    •Bleeding and infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Otezla vs. Enbrel

    Learn more about Otezla
    Learn more about Enbrel

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