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What is Apremilast
ApremilastThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryApremilast, also known as Otezla, is a medication used to treat symptoms caused by certain autoimmune disorders such as Behcet’s disease. It works by blocking a certain enzyme called PDE4 and was first approved by the FDA in 2014. In 2019, it was given an additional approval for the treatment of oral ulcers associated with Behcet’s disease. Apremilast is part of a drug class that includes Roflumilast and Crisaborole.
Otezlais the brand name
Apremilast Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Otezla
Apremilast
2014
9
Effectiveness
How Apremilast Affects PatientsApremilast helps to reduce signs of psoriasis and Behcet's disease, like pain, by lowering the amount of inflammatory substances in the body. However, it can also cause weight loss and worsen depression, leading to suicidal thoughts or actions. People on apremilast should be monitored for signs of depression and have their weight loss evaluated. If depression or weight loss become serious, doctors may advise stopping the medication.
How Apremilast works in the bodyApremilast works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). This enzyme helps regulate a molecule called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) which is involved in inflammation. By blocking PDE4, apremilast increases cAMP levels, which helps reduce the levels of inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-23. This effect can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, Behçet's disease, and other inflammatory conditions such as skin lesions and arthritis.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dosage of Apremilast is governed by the diagnosed condition, for instance Severe Plaque psoriasis, Psoriasis and Behcet's Syndrome. The quantity of dosage fluctuates as per the technique of administration (e.g. Tablet or Kit; Tablet, film coated) featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Behcet Syndrome
30.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral
Psoriasis
30.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral
Psoriasis Vulgaris
30.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral
Ulcer
30.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral
candidates for phototherapy
30.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral
candidate for systemic therapy
30.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 60.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral
Warnings
Apremilast ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Apremilast may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Apremilast Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Apremilast is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be increased when combined with Apremilast.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Apremilast is combined with Abetimus.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be increased when combined with Apremilast.
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be increased when combined with Apremilast.
Apremilast Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of apremilast in mice was found to be greater than 2000mg/kg, while in rats it was 2000mg/kg for males and 300mg/kg for females. People who take the maximum recommended dose of 100mg (50mg twice daily) for 5 days have not experienced significant toxicity. In case of an overdose, supportive and symptomatic treatment should be administered. Contact the local poison control center for guidance on how to manage an overdose of apremilast.
Apremilast Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Apremilast?
Currently, 18 active clinical trials are examining the potential of Apremilast in treating patients who are candidates for phototherapy, Arthritis, Psoriatic and Psoriasis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Psoriasis
0 Actively Recruiting
candidates for phototherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Ulcer
141 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 4
Behcet Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Psoriasis Vulgaris
26 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2
candidate for systemic therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Apremilast Reviews: What are patients saying about Apremilast?
4.7Patient Review
6/16/2022 I've been on Otezla for two months and, while it's done great things for my skin in terms of reducing redness and clearing up blemishes, I'm now experiencing hair thinning. This is a really frustrating side effect because the drug has otherwise worked so well. Has anyone else experienced this?
4.7Patient Review
6/16/2022 Otezla has worked great for me so far, clearing up most of my spots and redness. The only downside is that I'm experiencing hair thinning, which is a real bummer because I had such thick, luscious hair before. If anyone else is experiencing this side effect, please let me know!
4.3Patient Review
2/7/2021 I saw significant results within a month, which is amazing considering I hadn't had any success with other treatments. However, the side effects (GI issues and mental health problems) can be pretty severe. Worth it for me, though!
4.3Patient Review
2/7/2021 Though it comes with some intense side effects, this medication finally helped me after over a decade of searching. I'd recommend it to others in a similar situation.
3Patient Review
9/27/2022 I've been on the medication for two months now, taking 30mg every day. I had some mild nausea and headaches when I first started, but those have gone away. However, I really haven't seen any benefits to my scalp psoriasis.
Patient Q&A Section about apremilast
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is apremilast a steroid?
"APREMILAST is a drug that belongs to a class of steroids called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors. It is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriasis arthritis, and oral ulcers."
Answered by AI
Can apremilast cure psoriasis?
"The treatment also helps with itching and redness.
In clinical trials, approximately 20% of patients saw a clearing or almost clearing of their plaque psoriasis by week 16, with about one third of patients seeing a 75% or greater improvement. The treatment also helps alleviate itching and redness."
Answered by AI
What kind of drug is apremilast?
"Apremilast is a medication used to treat ulcers in the mouth caused by Behcet's syndrome, a disorder characterized by swelling of blood vessels throughout the body. Apremilast works by inhibiting the action of certain natural substances in the body that lead to inflammation."
Answered by AI
Is apremilast an immunosuppressant?
"Since apremilast is not immunosuppressive, it may be the preferred option for immunocompromised patients. However, biologics are not contraindicated and may be used in these patients if they are monitored closely."
Answered by AI