R R

What Is Otezla?

Otezla is a prescription medication containing apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. It is approved for active psoriatic arthritis, certain forms of plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers associated with Beh?et's disease. Approved pediatric uses include active psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients aged six years and older who meet weight requirements. Otezla helps regulate inflammatory activity but does not cure these conditions. An extended-release formulation called Otezla XR has separate dosing instructions.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Otezla?

Otezla is a prescription medication containing apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. It is approved for active psoriatic arthritis, certain forms of plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers associated with Beh?et's disease. Approved pediatric uses include active psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients aged six years and older who meet weight requirements. Otezla helps regulate inflammatory activity but does not cure these conditions. An extended-release formulation called Otezla XR has separate dosing instructions.

read more about otezla ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does Otezla Work?

Otezla inhibits phosphodiesterase 4, an enzyme involved in breaking down cyclic adenosine monophosphate within cells. Increasing this signaling molecule changes the production of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. These effects help reduce inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers caused by Beh?et's disease. Apremilast works differently from corticosteroids and biologic medications that target individual inflammatory proteins. Its clinical effects develop over time, and treatment response varies among patients.

What Conditions Does Otezla Treat?

Otezla is approved for active psoriatic arthritis in adults and children aged six years and older who weigh at least 20 kilograms. It also treats plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children meeting the same age and weight thresholds. Adults with oral ulcers associated with Beh?et's disease can also receive treatment. Otezla XR is approved for certain patients using different weight requirements. A clinician considers disease severity, age, kidney function, and treatment history before prescribing it.

How Should Otezla Be Taken?

Immediate-release Otezla treatment begins with a five-day dose escalation to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The usual adult maintenance dose is 30 mg orally twice daily. Children weighing 20 kilograms to less than 50 kilograms generally receive 20 mg twice daily after titration, while those weighing at least 50 kilograms generally receive the adult immediate-release dose. Otezla XR 75 mg is taken once daily in eligible patients after the appropriate initial titration. Severe kidney impairment requires dose adjustments. Tablets should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Otezla?

Common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory infections. Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting can cause dehydration, particularly in susceptible patients. Otezla is associated with depression and other mood changes, including reported suicidal thoughts or behavior. Significant weight loss can occur, so clinicians monitor body weight and growth in pediatric patients. Strong enzyme-inducing medications can reduce apremilast exposure and treatment effectiveness. Patients should report persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, significant weight changes, or worsening mood.

Common Questions About Otezla

Is Otezla a biologic medication?

No. Otezla contains apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. It is not a biologic medication or a corticosteroid.

Can children take Otezla?

Yes. Immediate-release Otezla is approved for certain children aged six years and older weighing at least 20 kilograms with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Is Otezla taken once or twice daily?

Immediate-release Otezla is generally taken twice daily after initial titration. Otezla XR is an extended-release formulation taken once daily in eligible patients.

Can Otezla cause weight loss?

Yes. Weight loss is a recognized adverse effect. Clinicians monitor weight during treatment and growth in pediatric patients.

References

Apremilast. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614022.html. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Apremilast. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Apremilast. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Apremilast Tablets. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18453-apremilast-tablets. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

DailyMed - OTEZLA (apremilast) tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f6b1f516-4972-4d82-bced-113e47b41cc5. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.

Otezla. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/otezla. Date Accessed October 22, 2026.