Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral)
Apremilast is used in adults to treat psoriatic arthritis.
Apremilast is also used to treat adults and children at least 6 years old of age and older weighing at least 44 lbs (20 kg) with plaque psoriasis who may also receive phototherapy or other treatments for psoriasis.
Apremilast is also used in adults to treat mouth ulcers with Behçet's disease (a disease causing inflammation in blood vessels).
Apremilast may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral) used for?
- Behcet's Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Plaque Psoriasis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral)?
You should not use apremilast if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- depression or suicidal thoughts or actions; or
- kidney disease.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking apremilast. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.
It is not known if apremilast will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of apremilast on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting;
- unexplained weight loss;
- mood changes, new or worsening depression; or
- thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, diarrhea;
- headache; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if apremilast will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of apremilast on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral)?
Use Otezla 14-Day Starter Pack (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Apremilast is usually taken twice per day with or without food.
Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Keep track of your body weight while you are taking this medicine and tell your doctor about any major weight loss.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.