Otezla

Otezla (apremilast) treats psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by regulating inflammation within the cell. It inhibits an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). This enzyme controls much of the inflammatory action within cells, which can affect the level of inflammation associated with psoriatic disease.

What is Otezla?

How Is It Used?

Otezla is available as a 30 mg tablet. The first five days is a start period, during which the dosage will gradually increase until the recommended dose of 30 mg (twice daily) is reached. Otezla is meant to be taken continuously to maintain improvement.

What Are the Risks?

In clinical trials, there were reported cases of:

  • Gastrointestinal problems, including severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
  • Depression
  • Weight decrease

Common Side Effects

In clinical trials, the most common side effects were diarrhea, nausea, tension headache, headache and upper respiratory infection.

Using Otezla With Other Treatments

Otezla can be used with other treatments such as phototherapy or topicals. It has been shown to be safe and effective when taken with methotrexate. Talk to your health care provider about whether using any other treatments with Otezla is right for you.

Older man with beard carrying a woman with curly hair, both smiling, on his back in the woods.

FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for All Psoriasis Severities

Apremilast has been approved for mild-to-moderate psoriasis severity.

Read Article

Psoriasis 101

Newly diagnosed? Want a refresher? Dr. Jason E. Hawkes is here to break down the science of psoriatic disease.

Learn More

Getting the Care You Need and Deserve

There is help available to get the treatment your health care provider has prescribed.

Read Article

Learn More About Your Treatment Options

The Patient Navigation Center is here to provide personalized information about your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Contact a Patient Navigator today

Stay in the Know

Expert tips, can’t-miss events, and the latest news, straight to your inbox.

National Health Council Standards of ExcellenceCharity NavigatorCommunity Health Charities logo

Copyright © 1996-2024 National Psoriasis Foundation/USA


Duplication, rebroadcast, republication, or other use of content appearing on this website is prohibited without written permission of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).


NPF does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the content of external websites.


NPF does not endorse any specific treatments or medications for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

We use cookies to offer you a better experience and analyze our site traffic. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.