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Otezla

Otezla

(apremilast)

Otezla (Apremilast) belongs to the class of medications called immunosuppressants. It is used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who may respond to phototherapy or systemic therapy.

Available form

Dosage

Tablet

, 30MG

Buy Otezla Full drug details

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Otezla information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The starting dose of Otezla (Apremilast) is 10 mg daily on the first day, then 10 mg taken in the morning and again in the evening on the second day. The dose is increased by 10 mg each day until the recommended adult dose of 30 mg taken by mouth twice daily has been reached. This gradual dose increase helps to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and Diarrhea.

Otezla (Apremilast) tablets must be swallowed whole with some fluids. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets. It may be taken with or without food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Otezla (Apremilast) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Otezla (Apremilast) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Otezla (Apremilast). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Otezla (Apremilast) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Otezla (Apremilast). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

abdominal discomfort
back pain
decreased appetite
diarrhea
dizziness
fatigue
flu-like symptoms (e.g., body aches, Fever, fatigue)
headache
indigestion
nausea
respiratory tract infection (common cold)
trouble sleeping
vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

migraine
rapid or pounding heartbeat
signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
symptoms of a lung infection (e.g., shortness of breath, cough, chest pain)
weight loss

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Otezla (Apremilast).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Otezla (Apremilast).

Depression: Otezla (Apremilast) may contribute to episodes of depression or thoughts of self-harm. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Otezla (Apremilast) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Otezla (Apremilast), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Otezla (Apremilast), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting: Otezla (Apremilast) can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, which in turn can lead to dehydration, Low Blood Pressure and also contribute to heart problems. Certain other medications, such as diuretics (water pills) can also cause dehydration. If you experience symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, decreased urine or tear production, dizziness, or Headaches, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Otezla (Apremilast) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Otezla (Apremilast) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Otezla (Apremilast), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Other medications for psoriasis: The safety of using Otezla (Apremilast) in combination with other more potent immunosuppressants or biologicals for the treatment of psoriasis has not been studied. If you are using other medications to treat psoriasis, discuss the safety of doing so with your doctor. Because the safety of combining these therapies has not been evaluated, it is not recommended at this time.

Pregnancy: Otezla (Apremilast) should not be used by women who are pregnant, as there is not enough information about the safety of its use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Otezla (Apremilast), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Otezla (Apremilast) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Otezla (Apremilast), it may affect your baby. If you are breast-feeding, you should not take Otezla (Apremilast).

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Otezla (Apremilast) have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors may be at an increased risk of developing complications as a result of severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

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