Apremilast (By mouth)
a-PRE-mi-last
Treats psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis.
Drug classes
Musculoskeletal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Apremilast is used to treat active psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling of the joints and patches of scaly skin on some areas of the body. This medicine is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, which is a skin disease with red patches and white scales that don’t go away.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how apremilast works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to apremilast.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or a history of depression.
This medicine may cause depression or thoughts of suicide.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Feeling sad or depressed
Unusual changes in mood or behavior
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Weight loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Otezla
There may be other brand names for this medicine.