FOR US AUDIENCES ONLY
Otezla has established safety in plaque psoriasis. Read more about safety and potential side effects below.
Doctor-prescribed for over 8 years with over 700,000 people treated*
*Estimates of patients treated reflect global data since launch (Apr 2014—Sep 2021; US = 60% of data). Calculations based on observed drug utilization parameters and number of units distributed. Utilization patterns change over time to best represent current markets.
In clinical studies involving adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, the most common side effects of Otezla included 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.
The table below shows the most common side effects from these clinical studies, reported by people taking Otezla 30 mg twice daily, compared to those reported by people taking placebo (sugar pill).
If you are experiencing side effects, please consult your doctor.
For more information, please see Important Safety Information at the bottom of this page.
“It's totally normal to experience some stomach symptoms, especially within the first weeks of treatment.”
-Pat, Actual Otezla patient
In a clinical study evaluating Otezla, a total of 595 adults with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis received Otezla 30 mg twice daily (297 people) or placebo twice daily (298 people). Overall, the safety profile observed in the Otezla group during the placebo-controlled phase was consistent with the safety profile previously established in people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Talk to your dermatologist about any side effects that bother you or do not go away. Your dermatologist may be able to suggest ways to help manage your symptoms.
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.
Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with:
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.
