Otezla

Generic name: Apremilast

Drug class: Antirheumatics

Dosage forms: Tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose:30 mg

Mechanism of action: Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet taken twice a day that is used to lower inflammation in the treatment of specific types of psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis and Behçet’s disease. Otezla works by inhibiting an enzyme within your immune system that can affect certain cells and contribute to inflammation in the body.

Drug usage cases: Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment for adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. Plaque Psoriasis: Treatment for adult patients with plaque psoriasis who require systemic therapy or light treatment (phototherapy) Oral Ulcers Associated with Behçet’s Disease: Treatment for adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease.

Drug contra indications: You should not use apremilast if you are allergic to it. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease; or depression or suicidal thoughts or actions. This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medicine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Otezla may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting; unexplained weight loss, or if you lose a lot of weight; mood changes, new or worsening depression; or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Warnings: Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Otezla may harm an unborn baby. It is important to use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of apremilast on the baby. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.