Apremilast (Otezla)

How is Apremilast (Otezla) dosed?

For adults:

• Psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers caused by Beh闁煎墽绂峵's disease:
  • Day 1: 10 mg in the 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 onwards: 30 mg twice a day.

Dosage for children is determined by the doctor. Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor and take the medicine exactly as directed.

What is the dosage form of Apremilast (Otezla)?

Apremilast is available in tablet form for oral use. The brand name for this medication is Otezla. It is used to treat active psoriatic arthritis, oral ulcers caused by Beh闁煎墽绂峵's disease, and plaque psoriasis. The dosage and usage are determined by a medical professional and can vary based on the individual's medical condition and response to treatment.

How is Apremilast (Otezla) administered?

Apremilast is administered orally by taking a tablet as directed by a doctor. The dosage and schedule vary depending on the medical condition being treated. For example, for psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers caused by Beh闁煎墽绂峵's disease, the initial dosage for adults involves taking 10 mg in the morning on Day 1, followed by 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening on Day 2, and increasing the dosage until reaching 30 mg twice a day on Day 6 and onwards. Children's dosages are determined by a doctor.

What are common precautions when taking Apremilast (Otezla)?

Common precautions when taking apremilast orally include:

1. Use with caution: Apremilast should be used with caution in patients with a history of depression, mental illness, hypotension (low blood pressure), or hypovolemia (low blood volume).
2. Kidney disease: Apremilast should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease as it may cause increased effects due to slower removal of the medicine from the body.
3. Proper use: Take apremilast exactly as directed by your doctor, do not take more or longer than prescribed, and follow dosing instructions carefully.
4. Food considerations: Apremilast can be taken with or without food. However, it should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed.
5. Other medications: Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as interactions may occur.
6. Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies or have had an unusual or allergic reaction to apremilast or any other medicines.
7. Pediatric use: Apremilast has not been studied in the pediatric population, so its safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
8. Geriatric use: Elderly patients may be more likely to experience low blood pressure (hypotension) or low blood volume (hypovolemia) caused by severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, which may require caution when taking apremilast.
9. Breastfeeding: It is not known if apremilast passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before using apremilast while breastfeeding. Always follow your doctor's instructions and notify them of any side effects or concerns you may experience while taking apremilast.