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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 used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. It's for people ages 6 year and older with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It can also treat adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease. This medication is an interleukin antagonist that works to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is usually every 2 months after the starter doses. Adults with UC or Crohn's disease can also get their maintenance doses once a month. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. Long-term side effects include a risk of other infections and liver problems.

    Summary for PDE-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It treats plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older. The medication can also treat mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor to reduce inflammation. Immediate-release tablets called Otezla are taken twice daily. You start at a low dose, then it gets raised over a few days to a maintenance dose. Some people can switch to once-daily, extended-release tablets called Otezla XR. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis - adults and children 6 years and older
    •Active psoriatic arthritis - adults and children 6 years and older
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis - adults only
    •Moderate-to-severe Crohn's diseased - adults only
    Indications for
    •Psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older
    •Plaque psoriasis in people 6 years and older
    •Mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
    Pros
    •Approved for adults and children 6 years and up weighing at least 88 lbs with either plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
    •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
    •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
    •Option to switch to once-daily extended-release tablets for some people
    Cons
    •Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning
    •Common to have nausea or diarrhea when starting
    •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 (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Tremfya vs. Otezla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection
    •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

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    Learn more about Otezla

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