Apremilast
Behcet Syndrome, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris + 3 more
Treatment
20 Active Studies for Apremilast
Treatment for
Behcet Syndrome
What is Apremilast
Apremilast
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Apremilast, 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.
Otezla
is 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 Patients
Apremilast 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 body
Apremilast 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 - Oral, Kit
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 - Oral, Kit
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 - Oral, Kit
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 - Oral, Kit
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 - Oral, Kit
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 - Oral, Kit
Warnings
Apremilast Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Apremilast may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Apremilast.
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 Risk
The 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
0 Actively Recruiting
Behcet Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Psoriasis Vulgaris
23 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1
candidate for systemic therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Apremilast Reviews: What are patients saying about Apremilast?
4.7
Patient Review
6/16/2022
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
4.7
Patient Review
6/16/2022
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
4.3
Patient Review
2/7/2021
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
4.3
Patient Review
2/7/2021
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
3
Patient Review
9/27/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
3
Patient Review
9/27/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
5/20/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
5/8/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
5/8/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
5/20/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2
Patient Review
1/3/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2
Patient Review
1/3/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
1.7
Patient Review
4/17/2022
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
1.7
Patient Review
4/17/2022
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
1.3
Patient Review
7/17/2021
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
1.3
Patient Review
7/17/2021
Apremilast for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
1
Patient Review
8/5/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
1
Patient Review
8/5/2022
Apremilast for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
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