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