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Compare Taltz vs. Otezla

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

Key takeaways

Taltz (ixekizumab) and Otezla (apremilast) are both medications used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes and have some important differences. Taltz (ixekizumab) is an interleukin antagonist given as a subcutaneous injection, while Otezla (apremilast) is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor taken orally. Taltz is also approved for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, whereas Otezla is used for mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. Taltz is administered every 4 weeks after initial doses, while Otezla is taken by mouth twice daily after initial doses. Taltz does not have a generic version available, whereas generic versions of Otezla have been FDA-approved but are not yet on the market. Common side effects of Taltz include upper respiratory infections and injection-site reactions, while Otezla may cause diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Some medications can keep Otezla from working as well. Be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Taltz (ixekizumab)
    Otezla (apremilast)
  • Taltz (ixekizumab)
    Otezla (apremilast)

  • Summary of Taltz vs. Otezla

    Summary for Interleukin antagonist
    Prescription only

    Taltz (ixekizumab) is an injection that's given under the skin. It helps treat inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and some types of arthritis in the spine. This medication works as an interleukin antagonist to lessen inflammation in the body. You inject Taltz (ixekizumab) once a month using the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. The dose depends on the health problem you're treating. Side effects include upper respiratory infections. You also might feel pain or have redness around the injection area. Taltz (ixekizumab) is 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 Taltz vs. Otezla

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in people 6 years and older
    •Psoriatic arthritis in adults
    •Ankylosing spondylitis in adults
    •Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis 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 Taltz vs. Otezla

    Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
    Pros
    •Generally given once a month (might need some starter doses)
    •Available as a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easier use
    •Can inject at home after a healthcare professional trains you (for most people)
    Cons
    •Only given as an injection under the skin
    •Raises the risk of infections
    •Might cause flare-ups in people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
    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 Taltz vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Reaction at the injection site (e.g., redness, pain; 17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infections (14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Taltz vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infection
    •Caution when getting vaccines
    •Eczema-like skin reaction
    •Allergic reaction
    •Inflammatory bowel disease
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Taltz vs. Otezla

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