Otezla® Tablets for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

What Otezla® Is and How It Works

Otezla® (apremilast) is an oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. It helps control inflammation tied to plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers from Behçet’s disease. This Otezla medication is used for adults who need a systemic therapy option and prefer tablets over injections.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and all prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

Otezla works inside immune cells by inhibiting PDE4. This increases intracellular cAMP and downregulates inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-23. The result is less redness, scaling, joint pain, and fewer mouth ulcers. The usual maintenance dose is 30 mg twice daily after a short titration. The product comes as Otezla 30 mg tablets and dose packs to help you start treatment safely.

Otezla is FDA approved for adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and Behçet’s disease with oral ulcers. If you are comparing Otezla cost or Otezla price across pharmacies, note that strength, supply size, and brand packaging can affect the final amount you pay.

We partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brand medicines, giving you a broad selection at affordable pricing.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions on how to start and take Otezla tablets. Typical adult titration to reduce stomach side effects:

• Day 1: 10 mg in the morning
• Day 2: 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening
• Day 3: 10 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening
• Day 4: 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening
• Day 5: 20 mg in the morning and 30 mg in the evening
• Day 6 and onward: 30 mg in the morning and 30 mg in the evening

• Indications: plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers in Behçet’s disease
• Administration: swallow tablets whole with water; with or without food
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless close to the next dose; do not double
• Severe renal impairment: target 30 mg once daily with a slower titration per prescriber
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, St. John’s wort) can reduce effectiveness; avoid combination

Storage and travel tips for Otezla 30 mg tablets:

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F); short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F)
• Keep tablets dry in the original bottle or dose pack; protect from moisture
• Do not split, crush, or chew tablets
• Travel with the labeled container in your carry-on; pack enough for your trip
• Keep out of reach of children; close the cap tightly after each use

Benefits and Savings

Otezla uses an oral, non-biologic approach. No injections or routine lab monitoring are required for most patients. Many see clearer skin, less scaling, and fewer flares. People with psoriatic arthritis often report improved joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Those with Behçet’s may have fewer and less painful mouth ulcers.

Budget matters. Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy can lower your Otezla monthly cost compared with typical U.S. retail. Savings often reach 60–80% versus common U.S. prices, depending on supply and packaging. Multi-month supplies can reduce your Otezla cost per month. Reorder reminders help you stay on track so you do not run out unexpectedly.

Prices vary by strength and pack, so Otezla 30 mg price will differ from smaller titration packs. Some shoppers compare Otezla cash price with their plan costs to choose the most affordable route for their household.

Looking for extra deals? See our promotions page for an otezla coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Abdominal pain or indigestion
• Decreased appetite
• Otezla weight loss (usually mild to moderate)
• Back pain
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping

Serious effects are uncommon but can include severe diarrhea, major weight loss, or mood changes including depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell a clinician if you notice mood changes or large changes in weight. Otezla does not carry a boxed warning, but the label includes these precautions. Otezla is not known to cause hypoglycemia, even when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to apremilast. Use effective contraception if pregnancy is possible, and discuss risks if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dose adjustment is recommended for severe renal impairment.

Onset Time

Many patients start to notice skin changes within 2 to 4 weeks. Improvements continue through week 12 to 16 as the dose stabilizes. For psoriatic arthritis, joint symptoms may start easing within the first month, with further gains over 3 to 4 months. In Behçet’s disease, mouth ulcers can improve within about 2 weeks for many people.

Compare With Alternatives

Biologic injections are another option for moderate to severe disease. Humira® (adalimumab) is a TNF inhibitor used for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It is given by subcutaneous injection on a set schedule. Biologics can act quickly and achieve deep responses, but they are injections and require cold-chain handling.

Enbrel® Pre Filled Syringe (etanercept) is another TNF inhibitor for psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Some prefer it for its weekly dosing. As with other biologics, screening for infections is important.

Conventional systemic therapies like methotrexate or cyclosporine may be options, especially when cost, comorbidities, or pregnancy planning are considerations. Otezla offers an oral route and a distinct safety profile versus these alternatives.

Combination Therapy

• Topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs with Otezla for plaque psoriasis
• NSAIDs for pain and stiffness in psoriatic arthritis
• Phototherapy plus Otezla in selected psoriasis cases
• Conventional DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate) may be combined in some arthritis regimens
• Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers that can reduce apremilast levels

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who want an oral option, those with active psoriatic arthritis who prefer tablets, and adults with Behçet’s disease who have recurrent oral ulcers. People who travel often may prefer tablets that do not require refrigeration.

Use caution if you have a history of depression, unexplained weight loss, or severe kidney disease. Your prescriber may monitor mood and weight and may adjust dosing for renal impairment. Otezla prescription therapy is not intended for those with hypersensitivity to apremilast. Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers, since they can lower effectiveness.

To manage Otezla cost, consider a 60- or 90-day supply when appropriate. Larger fills can reduce the Otezla cost per month. Compare options if you are watching Otezla price closely. Set a reminder for refills so you do not miss doses. There is interest in Otezla generic options, but apremilast 30 mg generics are not widely available in the U.S. market at this time.

Many patients compare psoriatic arthritis treatment Otezla with injectable biologics to decide on route and monitoring. You can also review your Otezla monthly cost and delivery preferences. Our prompt, express shipping helps you plan around travel or a busy schedule.

Authoritative Sources

Otezla official patient and product information (Amgen)

FDA Drug Approval File for Otezla (apremilast)

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Order Otezla® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and local guidance.