What Should Be Considered Before Taking Otezla
Before taking Otezla, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is right for you.
Let your doctor know if youre taking any other medications. Some medications may interfere with how Otezla works.
Other considerations youll need to discuss with your doctor may include whether you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have any other medical conditions
What Are Some Alternatives To Otezla
Your doctor may recommend that you take something other than Otezla, depending on the condition youre treating.
Alternatives for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or mouth ulcers caused by Behçets disease may include biologics and nonbiologics. Biologics are drugs made from parts of living cells. Nonbiologics are drugs made from chemicals.
Alternative drugs for plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis include the following:
- other nonbiologic drugs such as:
Note: Some of the drugs listed above are used off-label for these conditions. With off-label use, a drug thats approved for certain conditions is used for another condition.
If youd like to know more about treatments other than Otezla, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the treatment thats best for you.
Otezla For Plaque Psoriasis
Otezla is approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. This is the most common form of psoriasis. Its characterized by thick red patches of skin that often have a silver or white scaly layer.
Effectiveness for plaque psoriasis
In clinical studies, about 30% of people taking Otezla had clearer skin and fewer plaques. In comparison, about 5% of people taking a placebo had that same result. For about 20% of people, their plaques cleared completely or almost completely. And 4% of people taking a placebo had the same result.
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What Form Does This Medication Come In
10 mgEach pink, diamond-shaped, film-coated tablet, engraved with “APR” on one side and “10” on the other, contains 10 mg of apremilast. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and iron oxide red.
20 mgEach brown, diamond-shaped, film-coated tablet, engraved with “APR” on one side and “20” on the other, contains 20 mg of apremilast. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, iron oxide red, and iron oxide yellow.
30 mgEach beige, diamond-shaped, film-coated tablet, engraved with “APR” on one side and “30” on the other, contains 30 mg of apremilast. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, and iron oxide black.
How To Use Otezla
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. The manufacturer directs not to crush, split, or chew the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs can be crushed, split, or chewed. Follow your doctor’s directions on how to take this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
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Toxicity Or Side Effects Develop
Both conventional systemic drugs and biologics can have severe side effects.
Liver toxicity has been associated with long-term use of the conventional drug methotrexate, while kidney toxicity has been associated with long-term use of cyclosporine.
Because of this risk, conventional systemic drugs like methotrexate, oral retinoids, and cyclosporine are typically only given for a short time.
Biologics also have side effects. Because they affect the immune system, they can increase the risk of infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, as well as staph and fungal infections.
If your healthcare provider finds that any of these toxicities or serious side effects occur, youll probably need to change treatments.
Is Otezla A Biologic Drug
No, Otezla isnt a biologic drug. Biologics are drugs made from living cells. They work against a specific part of your immune system.
Certain nonbiologic drugs, including Otezla, also act on your immune system. But they dont target a specific part of your immune system. Nonbiologic drugs are made from chemicals rather than from living cells.
If you have more questions about how Otezla works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Why Your Next Move Should Be Taltz
JOINT SYMPTOM IMPROVEMENT FOR ADULTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Taltz helped some patients experience improvement in PsA symptoms,* such as:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Pain in tendons and ligaments where they are attached to bone
- Swelling of fingers and toes
*Evaluated at 6 months.
Select Safety Information
Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis before you start Taltz, and watch you closely for signs of TB during and after treatment with Taltz. If you have TB, or had it in the past, your doctor may treat you for it before you start Taltz.
Causes Of Psoriatic Arthritis
Almost 1 in 3 people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.
It tends to develop 5 to 10 years after psoriasis is diagnosed, although some people may have problems with their joints before they notice any skin-related symptoms.
Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is thought to happen as a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue.
But it’s not clear why some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis and others do not.
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Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy. Adequate and well-controlled studies with apremilast have not been conducted in pregnant women. Apremilast should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing mothers. It is not known whether apremilast or its metabolites are present in human milk. However, because many drugs are present in human milk, use caution when apremilast is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric use. The safety and efficacy of apremilast in patients aged < 18 years have not been established.
Geriatric use. In the psoriatic arthritis clinical trials and in the plaque psoriases clinical trials, no overall differences were observed between older patients and younger patients.
Severe renal impairment. Increased systemic exposure of apremilast has been observed in patients with severe renal impairment the dose of apremilast should be reduced to 30 mg once daily in patients with severe renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.
What Are The Side Effects Of Otezla
The most common side effects reported were diarrhoea and nausea. These side effects were mostly mild or moderate, and most common in the first two weeks settling down within four weeks. Other side effects reported commonly include upper respiratory tract infections, cough, vomiting, loss of appetite, headaches and fatigue . Most side effects were considered to be mild or moderate in severity.
In the clinical trials, some people reported experiencing depression. Before starting Otezla, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behaviour, or other mood changes. After starting Otezla, tell your doctor if any of these symptoms develop or worsen.
Otezla is a new treatment and, as such, this side effect data comes from clinical trials.
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Side Effects In Your Body
Otezla can also lead to different types of side effects in your body. It is important that you review all side effects with your doctor before you start treatment.
Stomach side effects with Otezla
- Slowly increasing your dose of Otezla over the first 5 days when you first start treatment will help to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.
- For example, in plaque psoriasis studies, about 17% of patients experienced diarrhea and nausea as compared to roughly 6% to 7% of those taking an inactive placebo pill.
- Most stomach side effects due to Otezla occur within the first weeks of starting treatment. However, some of these side effects may lead to hospitalization if they are serious.
- In addition, weight loss can be a significant side effect with Otezla. Your doctor will monitor your body weight regularly, and decide if it is safe for you to remain on Otezla.
Other common side effects that can occur with Otezla are upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and tension headaches. Over time, many of these side effects will subside.
Financial And Insurance Assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Otezla, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
Amgen, the manufacturer of Otezla, offers a copay card that may reduce the cost of Otezla. The manufacturer also has a program called Otezla SupportPlus, which may assist you in finding ways to lower the cost of Otezla.
For more information and to find out if youre eligible for support, call 844-468-3952 or visit the program website.
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When To Get Medical Advice
See a GP if you have persistent pain, swelling or stiffness in your joints even if you have not been diagnosed with psoriasis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis, you should have check-ups at least once a year to monitor your condition. Make sure you let the doctor know if you’re experiencing any problems with your joints.
Otezla And Other Medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Otezla. This list doesnt contain all drugs that may interact with Otezla.
Different drug interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.
Before taking Otezla, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug metabolism inducers
Several medications can make an enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 more active in your body. Taking these drugs with Otezla can cause your body to metabolize Otezla more quickly than usual. It can also make Otezla less effective.
Examples of these medications include:
- carbamazepine
- phenobarbital
Herbs and supplements can sometimes interact with medications.
St. Johns wort
St. Johns wort can make an enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 more active in your body. Because of this, taking St. Johns wort with Otezla can cause your body to get rid of Otezla more quickly than usual. This can make Otezla less effective.
Taking too much of this medication can increase your risk for serious side effects.
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What Are Otezlas Side Effects
Like most drugs, Otezla may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Otezla may cause. These lists dont include all possible side effects.
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Otezla. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Your Treatment Doesnt Work
Not all treatments work for everyone. Some treatments may not work for you. Topical creams may not help your skin clear up, and some systemic treatments may not bring improvement either.
If youve administered your treatment regularly and given it enough time to work, and you still dont see improvement, it may be time for a change.
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Who Can Take Otezla
Otezla is approved for treating adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic medication.1 It is also approved for adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.
Otezla is not currently approved for patients under 18 years of age. People who have kidney disease may need to take a lower dose of Otezla. People who are allergic to the active ingredient, apremilast, or any other ingredients in Otezla should not take the medicine2. Otezla has not been studied in pregnant women, or in women who are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or planning to breastfeed.
Who Should Not Take Otezla
Patients that should NOT take Otezla include:
- Patients who are allergic to Otezla or any ingredient in this medicine
- Patients taking other medicines that may interact with Otezla
- Some patients with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or actions
Otezla has not been studied in pregnancy. Patients should let their doctor know if they are planning to get pregnant or if they are breastfeeding.
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Ive Always Used Creams For My Psoriasis How Does A Pill Help Treat My Psoriasis
Creams and other medications applied to the skin work by being absorbed through the skin. They reduce inflammation and excessive cell growth in the area around where the medication is applied. These drugs are usually the first medications used for psoriasis.
Pills used for psoriasis work from the inside out. They work throughout the body by blocking the bodys production of chemical messengers that cause inflammation and cell overgrowth on the skin.
Otezla: What You Need To Know About The New Pill For Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
The last few years have brought new treatments for the chronic skin condition psoriasis, and the inflammatory arthritis that may come along with it. Psoriasis can begin at any age, but there are two peaks for age of onset: one between 30 and 39 years and another between the ages of 50 and 69 years. Now there is a new pill that treats both the skin lesions and the arthritis: Otezla . Taken twice a day it works, and works well. Here are ten things to know about Otezla.
1) Otezla works for both for the skin lesions from psoriasis and the arthritis associated with it .
2) How does it work? Otezla is a new type of medication called a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. By inhibiting phosphodiesterase 4, we can reduce cytokines and halt the inflammatory response that causes psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
3) Otezla has FDA approval for people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and those with psoriatic arthritis.
4) Does it work for the skin lesions from psoriasis? Yes. In trials done over 4 months, patients had 75 percent improvement in the severity of their skin lesions.
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5) How do I take it?Otezla is a pill you take twice a day, starting low and increasing your dose over a week to limit side effects. Typical doses are a 20 mg tablet or a 30 mg tablet, twice a day.
Dr O.
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Key Facts About Otezla
- Otezla is a small molecule phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçets Disease.
- Otezla is taken as an oral tablet twice a day. Your doctor will start your dose slowly to help lessen side effects like stomach upset or diarrhea. If you have severe kidney disease, you will need a lower dose of Otezla.
- Otezlas generic name is apremilast, but a generic is not yet available for this drug. Amgen is the manufacturer for Otezla and it was first approved by the FDA in 2014.
- Otezla works in your immune system by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 4 enzyme in the cell to lower inflammation in the body. The PDE4 enzyme is a type of immune system protein that can be overactive in some people, leading to symptoms.
Otezla Is Proven To Help Get Clearer Skin On The Scalp
In a clinical trial, 201 people taking Otezla were compared to 102 people taking a placebo .
Some people also experienced a reduction in scalp and whole body itch after just 4 months of treatment. See the charts below for a closer look at the percentage of people that experienced an improvement while taking Otezla.
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More Common Side Effects
The more common side effects of Otezla include:
- diarrhea
- weight loss
- back pain
Most of these effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If theyre more severe or dont go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Otezla. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Otezlas prescribing information.
Otezla Side Effects You Should Know About
The most common side effects that can occur with Otezla are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, upper respiratory tract infections, weight loss, headache, and stomach pain. Over time, many of these side effects will subside. Your doctor will slowly increase your Otezla dose over the first 5 days to lessen side effects.
In most patients, diarrhea and nausea occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment and tended to go away over time without stopping Otezla
| Most common side effects |
|---|
| 4% |
*In plaque psoriasis studies data from manufacturer.
Severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can occur within the first few weeks of starting Otezla, and in some cases, patients were hospitalized. Older patients may be at a greater risk, especially if they are at risk of low blood pressure or dehydration, or taking medications that can worsen these effects.
If you develop severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, tell your doctor immediately. Side effects of severe diarrhea or vomiting typically improve quickly with dose reduction or discontinuation of Otezla. Do not stop taking Otezla unless recommended by your doctor.
If you notice that you are having signs or symptoms of depression or worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes while taking Otezla, contact your doctor immediately. Your family members should also help to monitor you for these changes. Before starting treatment with Otezla, tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with mood or depression.
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