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.
