Otezla® Tablets for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Apremilast is an oral medicine for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how to use it. You can request US delivery from Canada and compare options, even without insurance.

What Otezla Is and How It Works

Otezla® contains apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. It helps rebalance inflammatory signals involved in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and certain mouth ulcers linked to Behcet’s disease. Apremilast PDE4 inhibitor. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

By limiting PDE4 activity, this treatment may decrease pro-inflammatory mediators. That can help reduce skin plaques, joint symptoms, and oral ulcer pain in eligible adults. Effects vary by person and condition. Follow your prescriber’s plan and the official label.

Who It’s For

Apremilast used for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and adults with active psoriatic arthritis. It is also indicated for oral ulcers associated with Behcet’s disease. Learn more about these conditions in our categories for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

People who have had serious allergic reactions to any component should not take this medicine. Discuss your full medical history, including mood changes, significant weight loss, kidney problems, and pregnancy plans, with your prescriber.

Dosage and Usage

The medicine is taken by mouth, with or without food. A starter schedule is typically used to reach the maintenance dose. Your prescriber will confirm the schedule that matches the official labeling and your health status. Otezla 30 mg tablets are the common maintenance strength in adults once the titration period is complete. If you have severe kidney impairment, your prescriber may use a different schedule as per label guidance.

Swallow tablets whole with water. Try to take doses at the same times each day. If stomach upset occurs, taking with food may help. Do not crush or split tablets.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is supplied as film‑coated tablets. Apremilast tablet strengths commonly published include 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. Starter packs and maintenance bottles exist; availability may vary by supplier and market.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next dose. If it is near the next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double up to make up a missed tablet. Consistent daily use supports steady effects.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container, protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Otezla storage follows labeled conditions; check the package insert for details. For travel, carry the labeled bottle in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription. Pack enough for your trip plus a small buffer in case plans change.

When traveling across time zones, keep your usual twice-daily spacing as best you can. If uncertain, ask your healthcare professional how to stagger doses over a day or two to return to your preferred schedule.

Benefits

This medicine offers a non-injectable option for eligible adults. It can help reduce psoriasis plaques, improve itching or scaling, and ease joint stiffness or swelling in psoriatic arthritis. For Behcet’s disease, it may lessen painful oral ulcers. Tablets are convenient for travel and avoid clinic administration.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Abdominal discomfort
• Decreased appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue

Serious effects are less common but can include significant diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting causing dehydration; mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts; or severe allergic reactions like rash, swelling, or breathing trouble. Contact a healthcare professional urgently if you notice concerning symptoms. This medicine can cause weight loss; your prescriber may monitor your weight periodically.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inducers can lower apremilast levels and reduce effectiveness. Examples include rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St. John’s wort. Tell your clinician about all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbals you use. Alcohol in moderation is not specifically contraindicated, but discuss personal risks.

Tell your prescriber if you have a history of depression, significant unintentional weight loss, severe renal impairment, or pregnancy or breastfeeding plans. Do not start, stop, or change doses without medical guidance. For additional background on arthritis therapies, see our article Arthritis Drugs.

What to Expect Over Time

Some people notice early changes in skin or joints, while others require more time. The course varies by condition, disease severity, and adherence. Taking tablets at consistent times and not missing doses may support steady results. Your clinician may schedule follow-up to assess skin findings, joint comfort, and tolerability. If you experience bothersome effects, contact your prescriber rather than stopping on your own. You can also explore community insights in Psoriasis Action Month 2025.

Compare With Alternatives

Several approved options treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or active psoriatic arthritis. Injectable biologics that target IL‑17 or IL‑23 pathways are common alternatives. For example, Taltz is an IL‑17A inhibitor, and Skyrizi Pre Fill targets IL‑23. Oral JAK inhibitors and other PDE4‑targeting topicals exist for certain cases. Your prescriber can help match a therapy to your health history and treatment goals.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy pricing can offer meaningful cash-pay value for eligible patients. We provide US shipping from Canada with prescription verification. To view options, check availability and request a quote from your account. If covered, use your plan’s documentation at the point of care; we process prescriptions on a cash-pay basis.

For a simple comparison, review Apremilast tablets price alongside any brand alternatives your prescriber considers appropriate. You can also browse related therapies in Dermatology.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply may vary. If the requested strength or pack is not available, your prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative. We do not substitute without prescriber authorization. Your order shows the exact product selected.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults diagnosed with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who prefer an oral, non-biologic option and can adhere to twice-daily dosing. Those with severe renal impairment, a history of severe depression, or notable weight loss need individualized assessment. This therapy is not for children.

To manage costs, discuss multi-month supply options with your prescriber. Larger fills may lower per‑tablet costs in some cases. Set refill reminders in your account so you have time to coordinate a new prescription if needed. For Behcet’s disease information, see Behcets Disease.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starter plan: How should I follow the titration and maintenance schedule?
• Monitoring: What changes should I track, including skin, joints, mood, and weight?
• Interactions: Are any of my medications strong enzyme inducers?
• Pregnancy: What is the plan if I become pregnant or plan to breastfeed?
• Alternatives: If I do not tolerate this therapy, which class would you try next?
• Follow-up: When should I check in to review response and tolerability?

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer SiteUS Prescribing InformationHealth Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? Place your order for prompt, express shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required. Prescription required; US shipping from Canada depends on your prescriber’s approval. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.