Navigating Psoriatic Arthritis With Otezla: What You Need to Know
Otezla (apremilast) is a medication used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, which means it blocks the activity of an enzyme called PDE4. This enzyme is involved in the inflammatory process, and blocking its activity can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of PsA.
Otezla is taken orally, typically twice a day. The usual starting dose is 30 mg twice a day, which can be increased to 60 mg twice a day if needed. Otezla can be taken with or without food.
Important things to know about Otezla:
Effectiveness: Otezla has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PsA, including joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. It can also improve skin symptoms of PsA, such as plaques and scaling.
Side effects: The most common side effects of Otezla include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infections. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks. Serious side effects of Otezla are rare but can include depression, suicidal thoughts, liver damage, and kidney failure.
Contraindications: Otezla is not recommended for people with severe liver or kidney disease or for people who are allergic to apremilast.
Drug interactions: Otezla can interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood thinners. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting Otezla.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Otezla is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Monitoring: Your doctor will monitor your blood counts, liver function, and kidney function while you are taking Otezla.
Lifestyle changes: In addition to taking Otezla, there are other things you can do to help manage your PsA, such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
*If you are considering taking Otezla, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Otezla may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications.**