{"id":20011,"date":"2022-03-22T11:50:18","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T11:50:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=20011"},"modified":"2022-03-24T11:05:51","modified_gmt":"2022-03-24T11:05:51","slug":"otezla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/otezla\/","title":{"rendered":"Otezla &#8211; Apremilast uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg&nbsp;film-coated tablets<br>apremilast<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Otezla is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Otezla is<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla contains the active substance &#8220;apremilast&#8221;.\u00a0It belongs to a group of medicines called\u00a0phosphodiesterase\u00a04 inhibitors, which help reduce\u00a0inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Otezla is used for<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla is used to treat adults with the following diseases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>active&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>psoriatic arthritis<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; if you can not use another type of medicine called &#8216;disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs&#8217; (DMARDs) or if you have tried any of these medicines and it did not work.<\/li><li><strong>moderate to severe&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>chronic&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>plaque psoriasis<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; if you can not use any of the following treatments or if you have tried any of these treatments and it did not work:<ul><li>phototherapy &#8211; a treatment where certain skin areas are exposed to ultraviolet light<\/li><li>systemic treatment &#8211; a treatment that affects the whole body rather than just a local area, such as &#8220;ciclosporin&#8221;, &#8220;methotrexate&#8221; or &#8220;psoralen&#8221;.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Beh\u00e7et&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>disease&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; to treat cold sores which is a common problem for people with this disease.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What psoriatic arthritis is<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Psoriatic arthritis is an\u00a0inflammatory\u00a0disease of the joints that is usually accompanied by\u00a0psoriasis, which is an\u00a0inflammatory\u00a0disease of the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What plaque psoriasis is<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Psoriasis&nbsp;is an&nbsp;inflammatory&nbsp;disease of the skin, which can cause red, scaly, thick, itchy, painful spots on the skin and which can also affect the scalp and nails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is Beh\u00e7et&#8217;s disease?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beh\u00e7et&#8217;s disease is a rare type of&nbsp;inflammatory&nbsp;disease that affects many parts of the body.&nbsp;The most common problem is cold sores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How Otezla works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and Beh\u00e7et&#8217;s disease are usually lifelong diseases and there is currently no cure.\u00a0Otezla works by reducing the activity of an\u00a0enzyme\u00a0in the body called &#8220;phosphodiesterase 4&#8221;, which is involved in the inflammatory process.\u00a0By reducing the activity of this enzyme, Otezla can help control the\u00a0inflammation\u00a0associated with psoriatic arthritis,\u00a0psoriasis,\u00a0and Beh\u00e7et&#8217;s disease, and the treatment reduces the signs and symptoms of these diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In psoriatic arthritis, treatment with Otezla leads to an improvement in swollen and painful joints and can improve your overall physical function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In\u00a0psoriasis, treatment with Otezla leads to a reduction in psoriatic skin plaques and other signs and symptoms of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Beh\u00e7et&#8217;s disease, treatment with Otezla reduces the number of cold sores and can stop them completely.&nbsp;It can also reduce the pain of cold sores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla has also been shown to improve the quality of life in patients with\u00a0psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or Beh\u00e7et&#8217;s disease.\u00a0This means that the impact of the disease on daily activities, relationships, and other factors should be less than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before you take Otezla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take Otezla:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to apremilast or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><li>if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Otezla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Depression and suicidal ideation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor before starting treatment with Otezla if you have depression that has gotten worse with suicidal thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You or your healthcare provider should also inform your doctor immediately about any changes in behavior or mood, feelings of depression, and suicidal thoughts you may have after using Otezla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serious kidney problems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have severe kidney problems, you will receive a different&nbsp;dosage&nbsp;&#8211; see section 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you are underweight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor when taking Otezla if you accidentally lose weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Magproblem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you experience severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, talk to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla has not been studied in children and adolescents and therefore use in children and adolescents aged 17 years and younger is not recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Otezla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.\u00a0This also applies to over-the-counter medicines, (traditional) herbal medicines, and herbal medicines.\u00a0This is because Otezla may affect the way some other medicines work.\u00a0In addition, some other medicines may affect the way Otezla works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before taking Otezla in particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>rifampicin &#8211; an&nbsp;antibiotic&nbsp;used for&nbsp;tuberculosis<\/li><li>phenytoin&nbsp;, phenobarbital and carbamazepine &#8211; medicines used to treat seizures or&nbsp;epilepsy<\/li><li>St. John&#8217;s wort&nbsp;&#8211; a (traditional) herbal remedy for mild anxiety and mild depression.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is limited information on the effects of Otezla in pregnancy.&nbsp;You should not become pregnant while taking this medicine and you should use an effective method of contraception during treatment with Otezla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk.\u00a0You should not use Otezla while breastfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla does not affect the ability to drive and use machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Otezla contains excipients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla contains&nbsp;lactose&nbsp;(a type of sugar).&nbsp;If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to take Otezla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How much to take<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>When you first start taking Otezla, you will receive a &#8216;starter pack&#8217; containing all the&nbsp;doses&nbsp;listed in the table below.<\/li><li>The &#8220;starter pack&#8221; is clearly marked to ensure that you take the correct tablet at the right time.<\/li><li>Treatment begins with a lower&nbsp;dose&nbsp;that will be increased gradually over the first 6 days of treatment.<\/li><li>The &#8216;starter pack&#8217; also contains a sufficient amount of tablets for a further 8 days with the recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;one (days 7 to 14).<\/li><li>The recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;of Otezla is 30 mg twice a day after the end of the dose increase phase &#8211; a 30 mg&nbsp;dose&nbsp;in the morning and a 30 mg&nbsp;dose&nbsp;in the evening, at approximately 12-hour intervals, with or without food.<\/li><li>This will be a daily&nbsp;dose&nbsp;of 60 mg.&nbsp;By the end of day 6, you have reached this recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;.<\/li><li>Once the recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;has been reached, you will only receive the tablet strength of 30 mg in your printed packs.&nbsp;You only need to go through this stage of gradual&nbsp;dose&nbsp;increase once, even if you start treatment again.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fass.se\/LIF\/product?userType=2&amp;nplId=20131228000054#\" rel=\"noopener\">Show larger<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Day<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Morgondos<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Evening dose<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Total daily&nbsp;dose<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Day 1<\/strong><\/td><td>10 mg (pink)<\/td><td><strong>Do not take any dose<\/strong><\/td><td>10 mg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 2<\/strong><\/td><td>10 mg (pink)<\/td><td>10 mg (pink)<\/td><td>20 mg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 3<\/strong><\/td><td>10 mg (pink)<\/td><td>20 mg (brown)<\/td><td>30 mg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 4<\/strong><\/td><td>20 mg (brown)<\/td><td>20 mg (brown)<\/td><td>40 mg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 5<\/strong><\/td><td>20 mg (brown)<\/td><td>30 mg (beige)<\/td><td>50 mg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 6 and onwards<\/strong><\/td><td>30 mg (beige)<\/td><td>30 mg (beige)<\/td><td>60 mg<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Patients with&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>severe&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>kidney problems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have severe kidney problems, the recommended\u00a0dose\u00a0is one of Otezla 30 mg\u00a0<strong>once a day (morning dose)<\/strong>.\u00a0Your doctor will tell you how to increase your\u00a0dose\u00a0when you first start taking Otezla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How and when to take Otezla<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Otezla should be taken by mouth (orally).<\/li><li>Swallow the tablets whole, preferably with water.<\/li><li>You can take the tablets either with or without food.<\/li><li>Take Otezla at about the same time each day, one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your condition has not improved after six months of treatment, talk to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you take more Otezla than you should<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take more Otezla than you should, talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away.&nbsp;Take the medicine pack and this leaflet with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take Otezla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If you forget to take a&nbsp;dose&nbsp;of Otezla, take it as soon as you remember.&nbsp;If it&#8217;s almost time for your next&nbsp;dose&nbsp;, just skip the missed&nbsp;dose&nbsp;.&nbsp;Take the next&nbsp;dose&nbsp;at the usual time.<\/li><li>Do not take a double&nbsp;dose&nbsp;to make up for a forgotten&nbsp;dose&nbsp;.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop taking Otezla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You should continue to take Otezla until your doctor tells you to stop.<\/li><li>Do not stop taking Otezla without talking to your doctor first.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serious&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;&#8211; depression and suicidal thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor immediately about any changes in behavior or mood, feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior (this is less common).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(<\/strong>&nbsp;may affect more than 1 in 10 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>diarrhea<\/li><li>nausea<\/li><li>headache<\/li><li>upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, runny nose or sinus infection<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(<\/strong>&nbsp;may affect up to 1 in 10 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>cough<\/li><li>back pain<\/li><li>vomiting<\/li><li>feeling tired<\/li><li>abdominal pain<\/li><li>loss of appetite<\/li><li>frequent bowel movements<\/li><li>difficulty sleeping (insomnia)<\/li><li>stomach upset or heartburn<\/li><li>inflammation&nbsp;and swelling of the trachea in the lungs (&nbsp;bronchitis&nbsp;)<\/li><li>common cold (&nbsp;nasopharyngitis&nbsp;).<\/li><li>Depression<\/li><li>migraine<\/li><li>tension headache<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;(<\/strong>&nbsp;may affect up to 1 in 100 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>rash<\/li><li>hives&nbsp;(&nbsp;urticaria&nbsp;)<\/li><li>weight loss<\/li><li>allergic reaction<\/li><li>bleeding in the intestine or stomach.<\/li><li>suicidal thoughts or behaviors<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Has been reported<\/strong>&nbsp;(occurs in an unknown number of people):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>severe&nbsp;allergic reaction&nbsp;(may include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are 65 years or older, you may have a higher risk of complications such as severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your stomach problems become serious, talk to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Otezla<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/li><li>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the blister, wallet card or carton after EXP.&nbsp;Expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/li><li>Do not store above 30 \u00b0 C.<\/li><li>Do not use this medicine if you notice any damage or signs of tampering with the medicine pack.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the pack and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The active substance is apremilast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Otezla 10 mg film-coated tablets: each film-coated tablet contains 10 mg apremilast.<\/li><li>Otezla 20 mg film-coated tablets: each film-coated tablet contains 20 mg apremilast.<\/li><li>Otezla 30 mg film-coated tablets: each film-coated tablet contains 30 mg apremilast.<br><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The other ingredients in the tablet core are microcrystalline cellulose,\u00a0lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The film coating contains poly (vinyl alcohol), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol (3350), talc and red iron oxide (E172).<\/li><li>20 mg film-coated tablet also contains yellow iron oxide (E172).<\/li><li>30 mg film-coated tablet also contains yellow iron oxide (E172) and black iron oxide (E172).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the medicine looks like and contents of the pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla 10 mg film-coated tablet is a pink, rhombic film-coated tablet marked with \u201cAPR\u201d on one side and \u201c10\u201d on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla 20 mg film-coated tablet is a brown, rhombic film-coated tablet marked with \u201cAPR\u201d on one side and \u201c20\u201d on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otezla 30 mg film-coated tablet is a beige, rhombic film-coated tablet marked with \u201cAPR\u201d on one side and \u201c30\u201d on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pack sizes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Starter pack&nbsp;one is like a foldable wallet containing 27 film-coated tablets: 4 x 10 mg tablets, 4 x 20 mg tablets and 19 x 30 mg tablets.<\/li><li>The standard one-month pack contains 56 x 30 mg film-coated tablets.<\/li><li>The standard three-month pack contains 168 x 30 mg film-coated tablets.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Marketing Authorization Holder&nbsp;<\/em><em>and Manufacturer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amgen Europe BV<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Minervum 7061<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4817 ZK Breda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Netherlands<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Otezla contains the active substance &#8220;apremilast&#8221;. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, which help reduce inflammation .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,18526],"tags":[20300,20303,20304,20310,20305,20309,20308,20302,20301,20306,20307],"class_list":["post-20011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-o","tag-apremilast","tag-apremilast-side-effects","tag-benefits-of-apremilast","tag-benefits-of-otezla","tag-otezla","tag-otezla-side-effects","tag-otezla-tablet","tag-what-apremilast-is-used-for","tag-what-is-apremilast","tag-what-is-otezla","tag-what-otezla-is-used-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20011"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20044,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20011\/revisions\/20044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}