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Compare Sotyktu vs. Otezla

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

Key takeaways

Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) and Otezla (apremilast) are both oral medications used to treat plaque psoriasis. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Sotyktu is a tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, while Otezla is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor. Sotyktu is specifically FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, whereas Otezla is approved for plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. Sotyktu is taken once daily, while Otezla is taken twice daily after initial dosing. Sotyktu is only available as a brand-name medication. Generic versions of Otezla have been approved, though they may not be available until 2028. Sotyktu can increase the risk of infection, including upper respiratory infection, while Otezla often causes nausea and diarrhea. Some medications, including the seziure medication carbamazepine, can make Otezla less effective. Make sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Sotyktu (deucravacitinib)
    Otezla (apremilast)
  • Sotyktu (deucravacitinib)
    Otezla (apremilast)

  • Summary of Sotyktu vs. Otezla

    Summary for Tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) is a medication used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It works as a tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor to lessen inflammation. Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) comes as a tablet that you take once a day, with or without food. Side effects include a higher risk of infections, like upper respiratory infections. Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) is only available as a brand-name medication.

    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.

  • Indications of Sotyktu vs. Otezla

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Sotyktu vs. Otezla

    Pros and Const for Tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Safe to take if you have kidney problems or mild-to-moderate liver problems
    Cons
    •Can raise the risk of infections
    •Have to get blood work done every so often to check for side effects
    •Not approved for children
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Sotyktu vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infections (19%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Sotyktu vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Risk of infections
    •Muscle damage
    •Liver damage
    •Possible risk of cancer
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Sotyktu vs. Otezla

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    Learn more about Otezla

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