Apremilast
Otezla (apremilast) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, as well as psoriatic arthritis and oral ulcers associated with Behçet's disease. It is an oral small-molecule drug that works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), which helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Otezla is an oral anti-inflammatory medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Behçet's disease by inhibiting the PDE4 enzyme to reduce inflammatory responses.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1492733
- Generic
- Otezla
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Otezla is approved for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, active psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet's disease.
Otezla works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), an enzyme that breaks down cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). By preventing this breakdown, the medication increases cAMP levels inside immune cells, which helps suppress the production of inflammatory mediators and reduces inflammatory responses.
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory infections. Patients may experience weight loss and should have their weight monitored regularly. The medication may increase the risk of depression. Otezla is not recommended during pregnancy and should be used with caution in patients with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy