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Otezla Coupon - Otezla 30mg tablet

Otezla

apremilast
Used for Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis
Used for Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis

Otezla (apremilast) is a medication that's taken by mouth to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults. It belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors. You must start the medication at a low dose and slowly go up because it can cause a lot of nausea and diarrhea as side effects. Generic versions of apremilast have been FDA-approved, but they likely won't be available on the market until at least 2028.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 6, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Otezla (apremilast)?

What is Otezla (apremilast) used for?

  • Active psoriatic arthritis

  • Plaque psoriasis

  • Mouth sores from Behçet’s disease

How Otezla (apremilast) works

Otezla (apremilast) is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor. It blocks a protein called PDE-4 that plays a role in causing inflammation in your body. This helps to lower inflammation.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsOtezla
Drug ClassPDE-4 inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Otezla (apremilast) essentials

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Here’s How to Save Money on Prescription Otezla

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What are the side effects of Otezla (apremilast)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Indigestion
  • Lower appetite
  • Tiredness
Note: Side effects were reported by people with psoriasis. Side effects might differ for people with other medical conditions.

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Severe allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Otezla (apremilast)

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Pros

Taken by mouth

Works well to treat psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and mouth sores due to Behçet's disease

Dose adjustment available for people with severe kidney problems

thumbs-down

Cons

Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning

Might not be a good option for people with a history of depression or suicidal behavior

Not well-studied in children

Interacts with some medications, such as certain seizure medications

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Otezla (apremilast)

pharmacist

  • When you first start Otezla (apremilast), you'll use a starter pack that will help you slowly raise your dose. This helps your body get used to the medication and lessen your risk for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Make sure you follow the dosing instructions for each day. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

    • You can take Otezla (apremilast) with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole; don't crush, split, or chew them.

      • Let your provider know if you're having a lot of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your provider might pause your treatment with Otezla (apremilast) or lower your dose.

        • Make sure your provider has a list of all the medications you're taking. Some medications interact with Otezla (apremilast) and aren't recommended to be taken together.

          • Talk to your providers about family planning and let them know if you become pregnant while you're taking Otezla (apremilast). Though unclear, there might be a risk of harm to unborn babies if the medication is taken during pregnancy.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Otezla (apremilast)

            Is Otezla (apremilast) a biologic?
            No. Otezla (apremilast) isn't considered a biologic because it isn't made from a living source.
            Is Otezla (apremilast) an immunosuppressant?
            Some people might consider Otezla (apremilast) as an immunosuppressant because it turns off a part of the immune system to lower inflammation. There are many kinds of immunosuppressants that affect your immune system differently. Some, like transplant medications used to prevent organ rejection, lower the activity of your entire immune system and can put you at risk for serious infections. But others, like Otezla (apremilast), only dampen the activity of certain immune proteins. Otezla (apremilast) blocks a specific protein called PDE-4 that can be found on immune cells and plays a role in inflammation. This medication isn’t known to weaken the immune system so much that it puts you at risk for serious infections.
            Is Otezla (apremilast) a steroid?
            No, Otezla (apremilast) isn't a steroid. Otezla (apremilast) belongs to a drug class called PDE-4 inhibitors, which work differently than steroids to lower inflammation in your body.
            Do Otezla (apremilast) side effects go away?
            Stomach-related side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, should go away within the first few weeks of starting Otezla (apremilast). In clinical studies looking at using Otezla (apremilast) for psoriatic arthritis, most nausea and diarrhea from the medication happened within the first 2 weeks of treatment and typically went away within 4 weeks. In general, side effects that people reported got better over time as they continued to take the medication. Contact your provider if any side effects you're having are bothersome. Your provider might be able to lower your dose or recommend ways to manage the side effects of Otezla (apremilast).
            How long does it take for Otezla (apremilast) to work?
            How long it takes for Otezla (apremilast) to work will vary from person to person and depend on your condition. Most people with psoriatic arthritis saw benefits from the medication after 16 weeks (4 months) of treatment. For psoriasis, about 20% of people taking Otezla (apremilast) had improvement in itching within the first 2 weeks of starting the medication. And for people with Behçet’s disease, Otezla (apremilast) can help lower the number of mouth sores and pain from them as soon as 1 week. Keep in mind that it can take weeks to months before you see the full effects of Otezla (apremilast), so continue taking it as prescribed.
            Who makes Otezla (apremilast)?
            The manufacturer of the brand-name medication Otezla is Amgen.
            Do you take Otezla (apremilast) forever?
            Your provider might recommend that you continue Otezla (apremilast) as long as you're seeing benefits from the medication (i.e., symptom improvement or relief). Keep in mind that it can take weeks to months to see the full effects of Otezla (apremilast). Talk to your provider about other treatment options for your condition if you don't feel like the medication is enough to help your condition or if you're having bad side effects from Otezla (apremilast).
            Does Otezla (apremilast) cause weight loss?
            It's not clear why, but some people who've taken Otezla (apremilast) have had weight loss. Some people lost 5% to 10% of their body weight while they took this medication during clinical studies. Monitor your weight while you're taking Otezla (apremilast), and let your provider know if you have any unusual weight loss during treatment. Speak with your provider if you have concerns about possible weight loss while you're taking this medication.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Otezla (apremilast)?

            Otezla (apremilast) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Allergic reaction

            Rarely, Otezla (apremilast) can cause a serious allergic reaction. Stop taking the medication and get medical attention right away if you experience hives; trouble breathing; or swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat.

            risk-warning

            Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting

            • Risk factors: Older adults | Taking diuretics (water pills)

              Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects when you first start Otezla (apremilast). While these side effects should go away with time, they can be severe and lead to dehydration (low fluids in the body). Older adults and people taking medications that remove fluid from the body (e.g., diuretics) are at a higher risk for dehydration. Let your provider know if you're having a lot of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your provider might lower your dose or pause treatment.

              risk-warning

              Depression

              • Risk factors: History of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior

                Some people who took Otezla (apremilast) reported having depression or feeling depressed. Before you start Otezla (apremilast), let your provider know if you have a history of depression or have had suicidal thoughts. Contact your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice any changes in your behavior or mood.

                risk-warning

                Weight loss

                Monitor your weight closely while you're taking Otezla (apremilast). In clinical studies, up to 12% of people who took Otezla (apremilast) had unexplained weight loss. Contact your provider if you notice that you've lost an unusual amount of weight during treatment.

                risk-warning

                Drug interactions

                Taking certain medications with Otezla (apremilast) can affect the amount of Otezla (apremilast) in your body. It isn't recommended to take Otezla (apremilast) with certain medications, such as rifampin (Rifadin), phenobarbital, carbamazepine (Tegretol), and phenytoin (Dilantin). These medications can make Otezla (apremilast) levels in the body too low, which might make it work less well for you. Talk to your provider before you start any new medications and supplements while you're taking Otezla (apremilast).

                dosage

                Otezla (apremilast) dosage forms

                Typical dosing for Otezla (apremilast)

                To lower your risk of stomach-related side effects, your provider will start you at a low dose and slowly raise it up over 5 days. The typical dosing schedule is outlined below.

                • Day 1: 10 mg by mouth in morning

                • Day 2: 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening

                • Day 3: 10 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening

                • Day 4: 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening

                • Day 5: 20 mg in the morning and 30 mg in the evening

                • Day 6 and beyond: 30 mg twice daily

                Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Otezla (apremilast)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Otezla (apremilast). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Otezla (apremilast)
                Used for:

                • Active psoriatic arthritis

                • Plaque psoriasis

                • Mouth sores from Behçet’s disease

                View Prices
                Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
                Used for:
                $6243.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
                Used for:
                $2824.44 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                Otezla (apremilast) images

                Beige Diamond 30 And Apr - Otezla 30mg Tablet
                This medicine is Beige, Diamond Tablet Imprinted With "30" And "Apr".Beige Diamond 30 And Apr - Otezla 30mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                Amgen. (2019). Amgen completes acquisition of Otezla® (apremilast). PRNewswire.

                Amgen. (2023). Amgen wins patent appeal on Otezla® (apremilast). PRNewswire.

                Amgen Inc. (2024). Otezla- apremilast tablet, film coated; apremilast kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                View All References (3)

                Kavanaugh, A., et al. (2019). Long-term experience with apremilast in patients with psoriatic arthritis: 5-year results from a PALACE 1–3 pooled analysis. Arthritis Research and Therapy.

                Li, H., et al. (2018). Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Frontiers in Pharmacology.

                Padda, I. S., et al. (2023). Apremilast. StatPearls.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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