Drug Detail:Apremilast (Apremilast [ a-pre-mi-last ])
Drug Class: Antirheumatics
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis
Initial dose:
- Day 1: 10 mg orally once a day (AM)
- Day 2: 10 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
- Day 3: 10 mg orally once a day (AM); 20 mg orally once a day (PM)
- Day 4: 20 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
- Day 5: 20 mg orally once a day (AM); 30 mg orally once a day (PM)
Maintenance dose: 30 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
Comments: This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.
Use: Treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis
Renal Dose Adjustments
Mild to moderate renal impairment: Data not available.
Severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min):
- Initial dosage: Titrate using only the AM schedule listed above and skip the PM doses.
- Maintenance dose: 30 mg orally once a day (AM)
Liver Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Administer without regard to meals.
- Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the new drugs for the treatment of plaque psoriasis?
- Sotyktu vs Otezla: How do they compare?
- How long does it take for Otezla to work?
- Is Otezla (apremilast) an immunosuppressant?
- Who makes Otezla and why is it so expensive?