Doctor Discussion Guide | Otezla® (apremilast)
Indications
Approved Uses Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of:
  • Adult patients with plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. Read more >
Approved Uses Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of:
  • Adult patients with plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate.
  • Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
  • Adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.
  • Adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease. Read less >
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Own the conversation with your doctor.

Opening up about how psoriatic arthritis is impacting your life could help your doctor find a treatment that is right for you.

The more specific you can be about your symptoms, experiences, and feelings, the better. The questions below can help you and your doctor explore other ways to manage your psoriatic arthritis.

At the end of the questionnaire, it will create a printable resource you can use to discuss with your doctor.

Living with psoriatic arthritis? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it’s important that you talk to your doctor. Check all that apply.

Within the last year, was there a time your joint symptoms were top of mind during an important moment?

Do you have doubts about starting another treatment? If any of these are a concern, share them with your doctor. Check all that apply.

Achy, swollen joints? Don’t write it off as just aging—timely diagnosis and treatment are important steps in managing psoriatic arthritis.

Once you’ve helped your doctor understand your experience, here are a few questions you can ask to help ensure you receive the best possible treatment:
  • Now that you have a better understanding of how psoriatic arthritis affects my life, what treatment option(s) could work best for my situation?
  • Will certain treatments fit into my lifestyle better than others?
  • How can I reduce my joint pain, swelling, and tenderness?
  • What can I expect if we change my treatment plan?

Is Otezla right for me?

Download or print this guide and bring it to your next appointment

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. For children 6 years of age or older, their doctor should monitor their growth (height and weight). If they are not growing or gaining weight as expected, their doctor will decide if they 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 for the treatment of:

  • Adult patients with plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate.
  • Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
  • Adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.
  • Adult patients with 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,