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Compare Otezla vs. Humira

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

  • Otezla (apremilast)
    Humira (adalimumab)
  • Otezla (apremilast)
    Humira (adalimumab)

  • Summary of Otezla vs. Humira

    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

    Humira (adalimumab) is an injectable medication used for treating many different autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and plaque psoriasis. It's usually given every other week, and it can be used alone or taken with methotrexate or other non-biologic medications. This medication is available as many different brands (or biosimilars).

  • Indications of Otezla vs. Humira

    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) - adults only
    •Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
    •Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
    •Plaque psoriasis - adults only
    •Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
    •Uveitis - people age 2 and older

  • Pros and Cons of Otezla vs. Humira

    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
    •Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
    •Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
    •Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
    •Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
    •Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed
    Cons
    •Raises the risk of serious infections
    •Might raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers
    •Might be difficult to inject for some people
    •Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
    •Contains rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Otezla vs. Humira

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site reaction (20%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Rash (12%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Accidental injury (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

  • Warnings of Otezla vs. Humira

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Cancers
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Nervous system effects
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Heart failure
    •Live vaccines

  • Prices with our coupons for Otezla vs. Humira

    Learn more about Otezla
    Learn more about Humira

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