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Compare Tremfya vs. Otezla

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

Key takeaways

Tremfya (guselkumab) and Otezla (apremilast) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Tremfya is a monoclonal antibody that is administered as an injection under the skin, while Otezla is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor taken orally. Tremfya is additionally approved for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, whereas Otezla is also approved for treating mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. Tremfya is typically injected every 8 weeks after initial doses, while Otezla is taken orally and requires a gradual increase in dosage over the first 5 days, eventually reaching a maintenance dose taken twice daily. Tremfya is only available as a brand-name medication, making it potentially more expensive, whereas generic versions of Otezla are available. Common side effects of Tremfya include upper respiratory infections and injection site reactions, while Otezla often causes nausea and diarrhea.

  • Tremfya (guselkumab)
    Otezla (apremilast)
  • Tremfya (guselkumab)
    Otezla (apremilast)

  • Summary of Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Summary for Interleukin antagonist
    Prescription only

    Tremfya (guselkumab) is an injection for adults with certain inflammatory conditions. It helps treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Tremfya (guselkumab) is a monoclonal antibody known as an interleukin antagonist. It calms your immune system to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is every 1 or 2 months, depending on your condition and how far along you are in treatment. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. There's also a risk of other infections and liver problems as long-term side effects.

    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 Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
    •Active psoriatic arthritis
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
    •Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
    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 Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
    Pros
    •An option for adults with plaque psoriasis who've already tried topical treatment
    •Given every 1 or 2 months (depending on your condition and treatment plan)
    •Few side effects
    •Can give yourself injections under the skin at home after you get trained
    Cons
    •Given as an injection under the skin or injection through the vein
    •Raises the risk of infections
    •Can cause some injection site reactions
    •Can take several months to see the benefits of the medication
    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 Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infections (14%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Injection site reactions (5%)
    •Joint pain (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 9%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infections
    •Liver damage
    •Interaction with vaccines
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
    •Depression
    •Possible weight loss
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Learn more about Tremfya
    Learn more about Otezla

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