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Apremilast

Pronounced

"a-PRE-mi-last"

Common brand names:

Otezla

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain type of arthritis (psoriatic arthritis). Apremilast is also used to treat a certain type of skin condition (moderate to severe plaque psoriasis). Apremilast belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors. For the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, it decreases pain and swelling, and may help improve flexibility in the affected joints. For the treatment of plaque psoriasis, it may help to reduce the redness, thickening, and scaling of the skin that occurs with this condition.

Apremilast is also used to treat mouth sores in people who have Behcet's disease. It helps to reduce the pain and improve the healing of these mouth sores.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. The manufacturer directs not to crush, split, or chew the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be crushed, split, or chewed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.