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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)

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Enbrel

(etanercept)

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Summary for Otezla

Prescription only

Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It treats plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older. The medication can also treat mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor to reduce inflammation. Immediate-release tablets called Otezla are taken twice daily. You start at a low dose, then it gets raised over a few days to a maintenance dose. Some people can switch to once-daily, extended-release tablets called Otezla XR. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

Indications for Otezla

Pros and Cons for Otezla

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Can take with or without food
  • Option to switch to once-daily extended-release tablets for some people

Cons

  • Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning
  • Common to have nausea or diarrhea when starting
  • Might not be a good option for people who've had depression or suicidal behavior

Common Side Effects for Otezla

Warnings for Otezla

  • Allergic reaction
  • Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
  • Depression
  • Possible weight loss
  • Drug interactions

Summary for Enbrel

Prescription only

Enbrel (etanercept) is used for certain autoimmune conditions in adults and children. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. It works as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker to reduce inflammation in the body. Enbrel (etanercept) is given as an injection under the skin, typically once a week. It comes as vials and prefilled syringes. There are also Enbrel SureClick autoinjectors, as well as Enbrel Mini prefilled cartridges for AutoTouch autoinjectors. Side effects include infections and injection site reactions.

Indications for Enbrel

Pros and Cons for Enbrel

Pros

  • Available in many options for at-home injections (e.g., prefilled syringes, autoinjectors)
  • Can be used for children age 2 and older with certain kinds of juvenile arthritis
  • Can be used for both adults and children 4 years and up for plaque psoriasis

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection under the skin
  • Must give injection every week
  • Raises the risk of serious infections

Common Side Effects for Enbrel

  • Infection (27%)
  • Injection site reaction (15%)

Warnings for Enbrel

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Risk of cancers
  • Problems with the nervous system
  • Heart failure
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Not recommended for certain people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
  • Not recommended with Kineret (anakinra) or Orencia (abatacept)
  • Caution use in people with moderate or severe liver damage from alcohol use

Prices with our coupons for Otezla vs. Enbrel

Price Card Drug Icon
Otezla60 tablets / 30mg
$3,353.53$7,146.32
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Price Card Drug Icon
Enbrel1 carton / 4 sureclicks of 50mg
$3,353.53$10,463.30
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