Apremilast

Drug Name
Apremilast

Brand Name(s)
Otezla®, generics

Drug Class
Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD)

Apremilast is used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Apremilast blocks phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) which is a molecule that triggers many different inflammatory processes. Apremilast may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Speak to a healthcare provider if these side effects are intolerable.

This information was last updated in June 2024 with expert review and advice by:

Alan Low, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
Pharmacy Lead and Primary Care Pharmacist, BioPro Biologics Pharmacy 
Care Director, MedInfuse Health

Garrett Tang, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist Services Coordinator, MedInfuse Health

We also thank previous expert contributor:

Jason Kielly, BSc(Pharm), PharmD
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

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