Active Psoriatic Arthritis:
Active Psoriatic Arthritis:
Plaque Psoriasis:
Oral Ulcers Associated with Behçet’s Disease:
Whether you’re already on treatment or simply exploring your options, it’s normal to have questions. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Otezla is a prescription pill offered in a 30 mg twice-daily pill or 75 mg Extended-Release once-daily pill.
It is approved to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease.
It is also approved for children 6 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis or with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Otezla may be prescribed to pediatric patients weighing at least 44 lbs, while Otezla Extended-Release may be prescribed to pediatric patients weighing at least 110 lbs.
No, Otezla is not a biologic. It is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. This means it reduces the activity of an enzyme called PDE4 inside the cells—which is then thought to reduce inflammation and plaque psoriasis symptoms. Learn more about how Otezla works.
Otezla is available as a 30 mg twice-daily pill or as a 75 mg Extended-Release once-daily pill.
Talk to your doctor to explore which formulation is the right option for you.
Otezla Extended-Release 75 mg pills are approved for:
Otezla Extended-Release pills are not recommended for patients with severe kidney disease.
Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking Otezla 30 mg twice-daily and are interested in switching your prescription to Otezla Extended-Release once daily.
Once prescribed, you can get started right away: with no blood work or routine lab testing required.*
Your doctor may send you home with a 14-day treatment initiation pack. With this, you will slowly increase your treatment dose until you reach the recommended dose. This is known as titration.
Once you have completed your titration pack, you will then continue with either your prescribed Otezla 30 mg twice-daily, or Otezla Extended-Release 75 mg once-daily.
People with severe kidney disease will follow a different schedule for Otezla. Otezla Extended-Release tablets are not recommended for people with severe kidney disease.
Be sure to take your medication as directed by your healthcare professional. Learn more by clicking here.
*Once-daily Otezla Extended-Release dosing starts after initial titration with Otezla.
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate next steps.
This medication should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, split or chewed.
The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache. These are not all the possible side effects. Ask your doctor about other potential side effects.
Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Learn more about the side effects.
Yes, so it’s important to discuss all the medications you’re currently taking with your doctor. It may help to compile a list, and bring it to your appointment. You can also ask a pharmacist if you should not take some medications with Otezla/Otezla Extended-Release.
Over 1 million people have been treated with Otezla globally,† and for
over 10 years, doctors have been prescribing it.
†Estimates of patients treated reflect global data since launch (Apr 2014-Mar 2024; US=59% of data). Calculations based on observed drug utilization parameters and number of units distributed. Utilization patterns change over time to best represent current markets.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or planning to breastfeed. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan for you.
The exact way in which Otezla works is not completely understood. Research has shown that Otezla blocks the activity of an enzyme found inside cells called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). PDE4 is believed to contribute to the inflammation that comes with plaque psoriasis. By blocking PDE4, Otezla is thought to help reduce inflammation inside the body and lessen psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Learn more details about how Otezla works, or watch the video below.
Everyone’s experience is different, but after just 4 months, Otezla was proven to reduce the joint swelling, tenderness, and pain of psoriatic arthritis, and to improve the ability to perform physical activities in some people. See how Otezla could help with the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Use this guide to discuss your results with your doctor.
Even though you may be feeling better, plaque psoriasis doesn't go away. Otezla should be taken as prescribed, at the same times every day. Talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Your Otezla prescription will be delivered to you each month by a specialty pharmacy. Not sure what that means? Specialty pharmacies operate a lot like retail pharmacies, but they provide additional services and deliver your medication right to your door. Your specialty pharmacy will coordinate the delivery of your Otezla prescription and offer support, including access to pharmacists, refill reminders when you’re running low on your medication, and more.
Visit the Getting Your Prescription page for more details.
Learn more about the ways Amgen® SupportPlus can help you access your prescribed medication. Please call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952). Someone is available 8AM – 8PM ET, Monday – Friday.
Commercially insured? Eligible patients can enroll in the Otezla Co-Pay Program‡ to pay as little as $0 for Otezla.
‡Eligibility criteria and program maximums apply. See AmgenSupportPlus.com/copay-terms for full Terms and Conditions.
Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured, or underinsured? Unfortunately, you are not eligible to enroll in the Otezla Co-Pay Program. You may find the resources§ below helpful. If you have any other questions, please call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952).
By clicking the links below you will be leaving the Otezla website.
If you have Medicare, please click here.
If
you have Medicaid, click
here.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, click here.
§Eligibility for resources provided by independent nonprofit patient assistance programs is based on the nonprofit’s criteria. Amgen has no control over these programs and provides information as a courtesy only.
A co-pay (or co-payment) is a flat fee that is paid each time a patient goes to a doctor or fills a prescription. The Otezla Co-Pay Program helps reduce that fee.
Patients with commercial insurance (self-purchased or through an employer) usually pay what is called the “out-of-pocket” cost for Otezla. This is the amount they owe after their insurance coverage has kicked in and any co-pays or deductibles have been applied.
Whether you were just prescribed Otezla or have been on Otezla, you can enroll in the Otezla Co-Pay Program Program today. Once you have enrolled, you’ll receive a digital co-pay card via email. Share your co-pay information with your specialty pharmacy to begin lowering your out-of-pocket costs. Eligible, commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per month for Otezla.
The pharmacy can apply the Otezla Co-Pay Program benefit (automatically) each month up to the annual maximum benefit of the co-pay program.
**Eligibility criteria and program maximums apply. See AmgenSupportPlus.com/copay-terms for full Terms and Conditions.
The Otezla Co-Pay Card is available to eligible patients with commercial insurance (usually self-purchased or through an employer) regardless of income level.
Re-enrollment in the program is required at regular intervals. You may continue in the program as long as you re-enroll as required by Amgen and continue to meet all of the program’s eligibility requirements during participation in the program.
If at any point your insurance changes, your enrollment in the program may be
re-evaluated. You must continue to meet the program’s eligibility requirements to continue receiving benefits.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It’s a type of arthritis that can affect anyone, but sometimes develops in people with psoriasis. Some of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint swelling, tenderness, and pain. Learn more about what causes psoriatic arthritis.
Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that starts inside the body, but appears on the skin as red, scaly plaques, which can also itch. Find out more about what causes plaque psoriasis.
Many people with psoriatic arthritis have symptoms of plaque psoriasis too, like nail changes, or uncomfortable, flaky patches on their skin. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please talk to your doctor.
Here are some helpful websites for psoriatic arthritis information and support:
Your doctor is always your best resource for any questions you might have about treatment, but we can help you find more information about getting started once prescribed.
Call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952) to speak with an Amgen® SupportPlus Representative.
You’ll find stories from people living with psoriatic arthritis and currently taking Otezla on our Patient Stories page.
Do not take Otezla 30 mg tablets or Otezla XR 75 mg extended-release tablets if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla/Otezla XR
Otezla/Otezla XR can cause serious side effects, including:
Some medicines may make Otezla/Otezla XR less effective and should not be taken with Otezla/Otezla XR. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines.
The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache. These are not all the possible side effects with Otezla/Otezla XR. 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/Otezla XR.
Prescription Otezla® /Otezla XRTM (apremilast) is used for the treatment of:
Active Psoriatic Arthritis:
Plaque Psoriasis:
Oral Ulcers Associated with Behçet’s Disease:
Do not take Otezla 30 mg tablets or Otezla XR 75 mg extended-release tablets if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla/Otezla XR.
Otezla/Otezla XR can cause serious side effects, including:
