Otezla (apremilast) treats psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by regulating inflammation within the cell. It inhibits an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). This enzyme controls much of the inflammatory action within cells, which can affect the level of inflammation associated with psoriatic disease.

Otezla contains the active drug apremilast, and Enbrel contains etanercept. Both drugs are FDA-approved to treat psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. In addition, Otezla is approved to treat mouth sores caused by Behçet's disease.

Otezla can be taken long-term Overall, the safety seen in the Otezla group was similar to the safety seen in people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Some people experienced severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that required hospitalization. Older patients may be at greater risk, especially if they are at risk of low blood pressure or dehydration, or taking medications that can worsen these effects. Otezla may lower a person's mood and increase suicidal thoughts.

This is most likely because Otezla is not known to cause liver problems, unlike some other medications used to manage psoriasis. However, there are other reasons why it can be beneficial to limit alcohol consumption if you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Liver and kidney function: Otezla may affect liver and kidney function. If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking Otezla. Drug interactions: Otezla may interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics and antifungal medications.

Official answer. Otezla is made by Amgen Inc, located in Thousand Oaks, California. Otezla is expensive because it is a brand name drug.

Official answer. There is no evidence that it is unsafe to drink alcohol while taking Otezla. This is most likely because Otezla is not known to cause liver problems, unlike some other medications used to manage psoriasis.

Liver and kidney function: Otezla may affect liver and kidney function. If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking Otezla. Drug interactions: Otezla may interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics and antifungal medications.

Otezla can cause a decrease in appetite. This may lead to weight loss. Otezla can also cause digestive side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In some cases, these side effects can be severe and may lead to weight loss.

For some people, Otezla can prevent symptoms of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis without causing any problematic side effects. In this case, the drug may be continued long-term to keep the condition under control. Long-term studies, ranging from 3 to 5 years, have shown that Otezla is safe for prolonged use.

The list price for a 30-day supply of Otezla is $4,600.48.* This price is based on the wholesale acquisition cost of Otezla. List price is also referred to as wholesale acquisition cost, or WAC. WAC is the price at which Amgen sells its products to wholesalers. *Updated on Jan 4, 2023.