Side Effects | Otezla® (apremilast) for PsO
Indications
Approved Uses Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with:
  • Plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. Read more >
Approved Uses Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with:
  • Plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate.
  • Active psoriatic arthritis.
  • Oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease. Read less >

Side effects of Otezla

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Otezla can be taken long-term

And, as with any medication, you may experience side effects

A few side effects that are possible with Otezla

Diarrhea and nausea side effect
Diarrhea &
nausea
Upper respiratory tract infection side effect
Upper respiratory
tract infection and
common cold
Tension headache and headache side effect
Tension headache &
headache

Click below to expand the table that includes the most common side effects of Otezla compared to placebo (sugar pill) seen in clinical studies involving adults with plaque psoriasis:

  • Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis
    My plaques aren’t all over, but still bother me
    Most common side effects
    (up to week 16)     		Otezla
    298 people     		Placebo
    296 people
    Diarrhea 49 (16.4%) 15 (5.1%)
    Headache 39 (13.1%) 15 (5.1%)
    Nausea 38 (12.8%) 13 (4.4%)
    Nasopharyngitis 22 (7.4%) 8 (2.7%)
    Upper respiratory tract infection 17 (5.7%) 15 (5.1%)
  • Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
    I have visible, uncomfortable plaques
    Most common side effects
    (up to week 16)     		Otezla
    920 people     		Placebo
    506 people
    Diarrhea 160 (17%) 32 (6%)
    Nausea 155 (17%) 35 (7%)
    Upper respiratory tract infection 84 (9%) 31 (6%)
    Tension headache 75 (8%) 21 (4%)
    Headache 55 (6%) 19 (4%)
  • Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis and Moderate to Severe Genital Psoriasis
    I have to deal with plaques “down there”
    Most common side effects
    (up to week 16)     		Otezla
    143 people     		Placebo
    145 people
    Diarrhea 37 (25.9%) 12 (8.3%)
    Headache 33 (23.1%) 16 (11.0%)
    Nausea 32 (22.4%) 11 (7.6%)
    Nasopharyngitis 12 (8.4%) 12 (8.3%)
  • Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis
    My plaques aren’t all over, but still bother me
  • Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
    I have visible, uncomfortable plaques
  • Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis and Moderate to Severe Genital Psoriasis
    I have to deal with plaques “down there”
Most common side effects
(up to week 16) 		Otezla
298 people 		Placebo
296 people
Diarrhea 49 (16.4%) 15 (5.1%)
Headache 39 (13.1%) 15 (5.1%)
Nausea 38 (12.8%) 13 (4.4%)
Nasopharyngitis 22 (7.4%) 8 (2.7%)
Upper respiratory tract infection 17 (5.7%) 15 (5.1%)
Most common side effects
(up to week 16) 		Otezla
920 people 		Placebo
506 people
Diarrhea 160 (17%) 32 (6%)
Nausea 155 (17%) 35 (7%)
Upper respiratory tract infection 84 (9%) 31 (6%)
Tension headache 75 (8%) 21 (4%)
Headache 55 (6%) 19 (4%)
Most common side effects
(up to week 16) 		Otezla
143 people 		Placebo
145 people
Diarrhea 37 (25.9%) 12 (8.3%)
Headache 33 (23.1%) 16 (11.0%)
Nausea 32 (22.4%) 11 (7.6%)
Nasopharyngitis 12 (8.4%) 12 (8.3%)

These are not all the possible side effects of Otezla. Ask your doctor about potential side effects, and be sure to let them know about any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

Doctor

Don’t be afraid to speak up. Your doctor may be able to offer tips for managing any side effects of Otezla.

It’s totally normal to experience some stomach symptoms, especially within the first weeks of treatment. My side effects decreased over time. I’m glad I stuck with it.”

Pat
Actual Otezla patient

Your results may vary

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What to expect on Otezla

Find out about managing side effects, seeing results, and more.
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Amgen® SupportPlus can help with financial support and insurance coverage for Otezla.
FIND OUT HOW

Pay as little as $0*

Did you know you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 per month through the Otezla Co-Pay Program? For eligible, commercially insured patients, your co-pay can be applied to deductible, co-insurance, and co-payment,* and is available regardless of your income level.

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First-time co-pay card user? Find out more about how it works, and how it can help.

No insurance? Learn about other ways to access Otezla.

*For commercially insured patients only. Eligibility criteria and program maximums apply.
See AmgenSupportPlus.com/copay-terms for full Terms and Conditions.
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Hand holding copay card from Amgen® SupportPlus program

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You must not take Otezla if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla.

Otezla can cause allergic reactions, sometimes severe. Stop using Otezla and call your healthcare provider or seek emergency help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing, raised bumps (hives), rash or itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms.

Otezla can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, especially within the first few weeks of treatment. Use in elderly patients and the use of certain medications with Otezla appears to increase the risk of complications from having severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if any of these conditions occur.

Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. In clinical studies, some patients reported depression, or suicidal behavior while taking Otezla. Some patients stopped taking Otezla due to depression. Before starting Otezla, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or other mood changes develop or worsen during treatment with Otezla.

Some patients taking Otezla lost body weight. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, your doctor will decide if you should continue taking Otezla.

Some medicines may make Otezla less effective and should not be taken with Otezla. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines.

The most common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache. These are not all the possible side effects with Otezla. Ask your doctor about other potential side effects. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or planning to breastfeed.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-332-1088.

Please click here for the Full Prescribing Information for Otezla.

APPROVED USES

Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with:

  • Plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate.
  • Active psoriatic arthritis.
  • Oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You must not take Otezla if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla.

Otezla can cause allergic reactions, sometimes severe. Stop using Otezla and call your healthcare provider or seek emergency help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing,