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Compare Otezla vs. Humira

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

Key takeaways

Otezla (apremilast) and Humira (adalimumab) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they have some important differences. Otezla is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor taken by mouth twice daily, while Humira is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) injected under the skin, usually every other week. Otezla is also approved for mouth sores from Behçet’s disease, whereas Humira is used for a wider range of autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Otezla requires a gradual increase in dosage to minimize side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Generic versions of Otezla are FDA-approved but not yet available, whereas Humira has several biosimilars. Common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea and nausea, while Humira can cause injection-site reactions and increase the risk of infections. Additionally, Humira may raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancer and cannot be used with live vaccines.

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 TNF blocker
Prescription only
Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.
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 TNF blocker
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

•Can take a few weeks or longer to work

•Might be difficult to inject for some people

•Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication

•Might contain 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%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.
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

•Lupus-like syndrome

•Live vaccines
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Compare Otezla vs. Humira

Key takeaways

Summary of Otezla vs. Humira

Indications of Otezla vs. Humira

Pros and Cons of Otezla vs. Humira

Common Side Effects of Otezla vs. Humira

Warnings of Otezla vs. Humira

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