Otezla (apremilast) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and mouth sores related to Behçet’s disease in certain people. Otezla comes as an oral tablet.

Otezla is used to treat:

To learn more about Otezla’s uses, see the “Otezla uses” section below.

Otezla basics

Otezla contains the active ingredient apremilast. It’s a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

Otezla is a brand-name medication. A generic version of the drug isn’t currently available.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers, and which pharmacy you use.

The price you’ll pay for Otezla can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if any), and the pharmacy you use. To save money on your Otezla prescription, explore these coupon options.

Save on your Otezla prescription

Use your insurance to pay as little as $- through Otezla:’s manufacturer savings card.

Only $-/mo initially*for a limited time

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If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Otezla manufacturer’s may also offer copay card that could lower the cost of the drug for you.

To learn more about the cost of Otezla, see this article.

Like most drugs, Otezla may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Otezla may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Otezla. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Otezla can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Otezla’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Otezla can include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Otezla can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Otezla, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects can include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

You can read below to learn more about some of the side effects Otezla may cause. For information about other side effects of Otezla, see this article.

Weight loss

You may lose your appetite while you’re taking Otezla. You may also lose some weight. Weight loss was also reported in children taking Otezla to treat plaque psoriasis.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you lose three pounds (1.4 kilograms) or more in 7 days or less. Talk with your child’s doctor if they lose body weight while taking Otezla. Changes that may occur with weight loss include having:

What might help

While you’re taking this drug, your doctor may monitor your weight. They might ask you to check your weight at home.

If you notice that you’re losing weight without trying, talk with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your weight loss is happening because of severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

In some cases, your doctor may have you stop taking Otezla. Don’t stop taking Otezla without first talking with your doctor.

To help manage weight loss, your doctor may recommend that you eat plenty of nutritious calories every day. To regain weight that you’ve lost, try to avoid eating empty calories. Instead, choose foods that are high in calories and nutrients. If you have difficulty choosing nutritious foods to eat, talk with your doctor.

If your child is taking Otezla, their doctor will likely monitor their weight and height for unexpected changes. If they do notice changes, your child’s doctor will likely recommend that they stop taking Otezla. Do not make any changes to your child’s treatment plan without first talking with their doctor.

Depression

Some people may have changes in mood or depression while taking Otezla. This may be more common in people who’ve had depression in the past.

If you have depression or you’ve had it in the past, let your doctor know before you start taking Otezla.

Be sure to monitor your moods while you’re taking Otezla. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any changes in mood, feelings of depression, or suicidal thoughts.

What might help

If you’ve had depression in the past, your doctor will consider the risks and benefits of prescribing Otezla for you. If the benefits of using Otezla outweigh the risks, your doctor will likely prescribe the drug. They’ll monitor your mood regularly.

It’s important to identify depression early. Doing so can help reduce the harmful effects of depression.

If you have depression that’s related to using Otezla, your doctor may prescribe counseling or medications to treat the depression. If needed, your doctor may have you stop taking Otezla. Don’t stop taking Otezla without first talking with your doctor.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Diarrhea

You may have diarrhea while you’re taking Otezla. In fact, the most common side effect of Otezla is diarrhea. With diarrhea, you may have more frequent, loose, or watery stools.

Some people may have severe diarrhea while taking Otezla. With severe diarrhea, you can have:

  • fever
  • blood in your stool
  • less urine production
  • thirst
  • dizziness

Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea, or any of these other symptoms, during treatment.

You may have a higher risk of complications because of severe diarrhea if you:

  • are older in age
  • take blood pressure medications
  • take medications that lower the amount of blood in your body

What might help

If you have diarrhea while you’re taking Otezla, you’ll need to replace fluid and electrolytes that your body is losing. When you lose fluid and electrolytes through diarrhea, you can get dehydrated. (With dehydration, you have a low fluid level in your body.)

For diarrhea that’s not severe, you can rehydrate by drinking diluted fruit juice or electrolyte drinks. Eating foods that are low in fiber may help. Some foods that may help improve diarrhea include:

  • bananas
  • toast
  • oatmeal
  • white rice
  • applesauce
  • soup or broth

Certain over-the-counter medications may also help treat diarrhea. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any medications with Otezla.

If you have severe diarrhea with Otezla, call your doctor. They may lower your dosage of the drug. If needed, your doctor may even have you stop taking Otezla. Don’t stop taking the medication without first talking with your doctor.

Sometimes, for severe diarrhea, you may need intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes. (You’ll get IV fluids as an injection into your vein that’s given over a period of time.)

Allergic reaction

For some people, Otezla can cause an allergic reaction.

This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies, but it has occurred since Otezla was approved.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Otezla.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Otezla, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Your doctor may prescribe Otezla for you if you have certain conditions. This drug is used in adults to treat:

  • Plaque psoriasis: With plaque psoriasis, you have patches on your skin that are discolored. Sometimes, they can look scaly and silvery-white or gray. This condition is an inflammatory skin disease that’s caused by your immune system attacking your own cells. For this use, Otezla is prescribed for people who could have used systemic therapy (which affects your whole body) or light therapy.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: With psoriatic arthritis, you have arthritis, which causes achy, stiff joints. And you have psoriasis, which causes the skin issues described just above. This condition is also caused by your immune system attacking certain cells in your body.
  • Mouth sores in people with Behçet’s disease: With Behçet’s disease, you can have several symptoms, such as problems with your eyes and skin, and joint pain. Mouth sores are one of the earliest symptoms of the condition. Otezla can be used to treat these mouth sores. Behçet’s disease is also caused by your immune system attacking certain cells in your body.

Otezla is also used in certain children to treat plaque psoriasis that’s moderate to severe. Otezla is approved for this condition in children ages 6 years and older who weigh at least 20 kilograms (kg), or about 44 pounds (lb). Your child’s doctor may prescribe Otezla for this purpose if your child could have used systemic therapy or light therapy.

Otezla treats these conditions by helping to lower the activity of your immune system.

Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions about Otezla.

Is Otezla an immunosuppressant?

Yes, Otezla is called an immunosuppressant drug. This means it suppresses (reduces) your immune system’s activity.

This immune system suppression is how Otezla works to treat certain conditions. It reduces inflammation caused by your immune system and eases symptoms of the conditions.

If you have more questions about how Otezla works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Otezla a biologic drug?

No, Otezla isn’t a biologic drug. Biologics are drugs made from living cells. They work against a specific part of your immune system.

Certain nonbiologic drugs, including Otezla, also act on your immune system. Nonbiologic drugs are made from chemicals rather than from living cells.

If you have more questions about how Otezla works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does Otezla compare to Humira?

Otezla and Humira are both used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They each also have other uses.

Unlike Otezla, Humira is a biologic drug. This means Humira is made from parts of living cells. Otezla, on the other hand, is made from chemicals.

Otezla comes as tablets that you’ll take by mouth, typically twice each day. But you’ll take Humira as an injection under your skin. Usually, it’s taken once every 2 weeks, after the first week of treatment.

If you have more questions about the differences between Otezla and Humira, talk with your doctor or see this article.

Does stopping Otezla cause withdrawal?

If you stop taking Otezla, you likely won’t have withdrawal symptoms. But, the symptoms you were taking Otezla to treat may start coming back.

Talk with your doctor before stopping Otezla. They can tell you what to expect if you quit taking this medication.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take a drug other than Otezla, depending on the condition you’re treating.

Alternatives for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or mouth ulcers caused by Behçet’s disease may include biologics and nonbiologics. Biologics are drugs made from parts of living cells. Nonbiologics are drugs made from chemicals.

Some of the drugs listed below are used off-label for these conditions. With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is used for another condition.

Alternatives for plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis

Alternative drugs for plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis include the following:

Alternatives for mouth sores from Behçet’s disease

Alternative treatments for mouth ulcers related to Behçet’s disease include:

If you’d like to know more about treatments other than Otezla, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the treatment that’s best for you.

Before taking Otezla, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is right for you.

Let your doctor know if you’re taking any other medications. Some medications may interfere with how Otezla works.

Other considerations you’ll need to discuss with your doctor may include whether you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have any other medical conditions

Interactions

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Otezla, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Otezla.

For more information about Otezla and interactions, see this in-depth article.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Otezla can interact with drugs that affect a certain enzyme (type of protein) in your body. This certain enzyme helps your body to clear many different medications, including Otezla. Drugs that boost the activity of this enzyme may decrease levels of Otezla in your body. This can make Otezla less effective.

Examples of drugs that may make Otezla less effective include:

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Otezla. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of Otezla.

Other interactions

In addition to the drugs mentioned above, some natural health products and foods may also make Otezla less effective. These substances include the herb St. John’s wort.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements with Otezla. If you have concerns about consuming certain foods or drinks with Otezla, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings

Otezla may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Otezla. Factors to consider include those listed below.

Otezla and alcohol

Alcohol interacts with certain medications, but it doesn’t interact with Otezla. If you drink alcohol, check with your doctor whether it’s safe to drink it while you’re taking Otezla.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Otezla is safe as a treatment for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Check with your doctor before taking Otezla during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your doctor can help you consider the possible risks and benefits of treatment.

If you’re pregnant or become pregnant while taking Otezla, you may be eligible to participate in a pregnancy study. Pregnancy studies collect health information about how certain drugs affect pregnancy. If you’re interested in learning more about these studies, you can talk with your doctor, visit this website, or call 866-626-6847.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Otezla that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Otezla is available as an oral tablet in three strengths:

  • 10 milligrams (mg)
  • 20 mg
  • 30 mg

Recommended dosages

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Otezla that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but the dosage you receive will be determined by your doctor.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

For treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults, Otezla is usually taken twice per day. You’ll likely take the drug once in the morning and once in the evening.

When you first start taking the drug, your doctor may recommend that you take low doses of Otezla. For example, on day 1, your doctor may prescribe one lower strength tablet taken once in the morning.

Then, your doctor may increase your dosage by 10 mg every day during the first 5 days of treatment until you reach the recommended maintenance dosage. Typically, the maintenance dosage for this condition is 30 mg twice per day, starting on day 6.

For the treatment of plaque psoriasis in certain children, your child’s doctor will likely prescribe a dosage based on your child’s body weight. They’ll likely recommend a starting dosage schedule and a maintenance dosage. Typically, the maintenance dosage for children is 20 or 30 mg twice per day, depending on your child’s body weight.

If you have severe kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Otezla for treating this condition. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Otezla dosage.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

For treatment of psoriatic arthritis in adults, Otezla is usually taken twice per day. You’ll likely take the drug once in the morning and once in the evening.

When you first start taking the drug, your doctor may recommend that you take low doses of Otezla. For example, on day 1, your doctor may prescribe one lower strength tablet taken once in the morning.

Then, your doctor may increase your dosage by 10 mg every day during the first 5 days of treatment until you reach the recommended maintenance dosage. Typically, the maintenance dosage for this condition is 30 mg twice per day, starting on day 6.

If you have severe kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Otezla for treating this condition. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Otezla dosage.

Dosage for mouth sores in people with Behçet’s disease

For treatment of mouth sores in adults with Behçet’s disease, Otezla is usually taken twice per day. You’ll likely take the drug once in the morning and once in the evening.

When you first start taking the drug, your doctor may recommend that you take low doses of Otezla. For example, on day 1, your doctor may prescribe one lower strength tablet taken once in the morning.

Then, your doctor may increase your dosage by 10 mg every day during the first 5 days of treatment until you reach the recommended maintenance dosage. Typically, the maintenance dosage for this condition is 30 mg twice per day, starting on day 6.

If you have severe kidney failure, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Otezla for treating this condition. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Otezla dosage.

To learn more about Otezla’s dosage, see this article.

Your doctor will explain how you should take Otezla. They will also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Taking Otezla

Otezla comes as tablets that you’ll take by mouth.

Taking Otezla with other drugs

Sometimes doctors prescribe Otezla together with other medications. For example, if you have:

Questions about taking Otezla

Here you’ll find answers to common questions about Otezla.

What if I miss a dose of Otezla?

If you miss a dose of Otezla, take the missed dose right away. If you don’t remember to take the missed dose until it’s time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Take your next dose as usual. But do not take two doses at once to catch up for a missed dose.

Will I need to use Otezla long term?

Otezla is used to treat certain long-lasting conditions. If the drug is working well for you, your doctor may recommend that you take Otezla long term.

Can Otezla be chewed, crushed, or split?

No, you shouldn’t chew, crush, or split Otezla tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing Otezla pills, let your doctor or pharmacist know.

Should I take Otezla with food?

You can take Otezla with or without food.

How long does Otezla take to work?

How long it takes for Otezla to work is different for each condition it’s used to treat. In studies, some people with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis had improvements after just 16 weeks. Some people with Behçet’s disease had improvements after 12 weeks. Talk with your doctor to learn how soon Otezla may work for your condition.

Don’t take more Otezla than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Otezla

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Otezla. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number), or go to the nearest emergency room.

Q:

Can turmeric help relieve my psoriatic arthritis?

Anonymous

A:

Turmeric is commonly used in cooking, but it’s also available as a nutritional supplement. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. This ingredient has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

Studies have shown that turmeric may be able to help relieve symptoms of pain in some conditions. These symptoms may include joint pain that’s associated with inflammation from certain kinds of arthritis. But, the studies were small, and their results weren’t always consistent. So, more studies are needed to fully understand how turmeric works to relieve joint pain.

Always talk with your doctor before using any natural or alternative therapies for your condition. This is especially important to do if you’re taking any medications. And even if a natural remedy helps improve your symptoms, don’t stop taking any prescribed medications without your doctor’s recommendation.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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