Otezla® Tablets for Psoriatic Arthritis

Otezla is a prescription oral treatment for adults with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how to order with US delivery from Canada, including options for Otezla without insurance. Use it to prepare your prescription and plan storage for travel.

What Otezla Is and How It Works

Otezla® (apremilast) is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. By modulating inflammatory pathways, it may help reduce joint symptoms in psoriatic arthritis and improve skin plaques in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is also approved to treat oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s disease. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

The medicine acts inside immune cells to downregulate pro‑inflammatory mediators. It is taken by mouth, which many people find convenient compared with injectables. For information specific to skin disease, see Psoriasis. For joint involvement, visit Psoriatic Arthritis. You can also browse related care in Rheumatology.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for adults with active psoriatic arthritis and for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. It may also be used for adults with Behçet’s disease who have recurrent mouth ulcers. The phrase Otezla psoriatic arthritis refers to its approved use for joint symptoms.

People with known hypersensitivity to apremilast should not take it. Caution is advised in those with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, and in patients with significant weight loss. If you have severe kidney impairment, your prescriber may adjust the dosing schedule. Always follow the approved label and your prescriber’s instructions.

Dosage and Usage

This medicine is taken by mouth with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, split, or chewed. A starter titration is used to help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. After the initial up‑titration, many patients continue with a maintenance schedule as directed by the label.

The typical maintenance strength cited in labeling is Otezla 30 mg taken twice daily after the starter period, unless your prescriber instructs otherwise. If you are new to therapy, your prescriber may provide a starter pack that gradually increases the dose over several days before you reach the full maintenance schedule.

If you have questions on administration steps, your healthcare professional or pharmacist can review them with you. For broader background on arthritis therapies, see Arthritis Drugs and Enbrel Injection Uses.

Strengths and Forms

The tablets are film‑coated and typically supplied in several strengths to support starter titration and maintenance therapy. Commonly published strengths include 10 mg, 20 mg, and Otezla 30 mg tablets. A titration starter pack may combine lower‑strength tablets for the first week. Availability can vary by market and packaging.

Some packs contain unit‑dose blisters labeled by day to support the early titration steps. Others are bottles intended for ongoing maintenance. Packaging options may change; the exact presentation you receive depends on your prescription and supply.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet. Try to take doses at the same times each day to help maintain consistency. If you experience stomach upset, taking the tablet with food may help, but follow the official label or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the tablets at room temperature in the original container, away from moisture. Keep the container closed tightly and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store tablets in a bathroom. When traveling, keep your medicine in your carry‑on, in the labeled container, and bring a copy of your prescription. If your pack uses day‑by‑day blisters, bring the full card to avoid confusion.

Pharmacies use temperature-controlled handling when required, and you should avoid extreme heat or cold during transit. For trip planning, allow time to organize refills before leaving and keep a medication list accessible. Secure your container during flights to prevent damage.

Benefits

This therapy may reduce tender and swollen joints in psoriatic arthritis. It can also improve plaque severity and skin involvement for those eligible for systemic treatment. As an oral option, it avoids injection training and needle disposal. Many people appreciate the consistent, twice‑daily schedule once titration is complete.

Because it works through PDE4 inhibition, broad immune suppression is not expected; however, it still carries important safety considerations. Your prescriber will weigh benefits and risks for your situation.

Side Effects and Safety

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

Serious risks are uncommon but can include significant depression or mood changes, severe diarrhea leading to dehydration, and allergic reactions. Contact a healthcare professional urgently for symptoms such as thoughts of self‑harm, persistent severe gastrointestinal effects, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong enzyme inducers may lower apremilast levels and reduce effectiveness. Examples include rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort. Discuss all prescription medicines, over‑the‑counter products, and herbal supplements with your clinician. If you have severe renal impairment, dosing frequency may be adjusted per labeling. Report new or worsening depression, and monitor weight during treatment if advised.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptoms may improve gradually with consistent use. Some people notice gastrointestinal effects during the starter period, which often lessen after titration. Skin and joint responses can vary, and ongoing assessment with your prescriber helps track progress. Keeping a simple symptom diary and taking tablets at the same times daily can support adherence.

If goals are not met, your clinician may consider changes. Regular follow‑up visits help confirm that the treatment remains appropriate and well tolerated.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options include biologic agents and targeted therapies. For plaque psoriasis, your prescriber may consider an IL‑23 inhibitor such as Skyrizi Pre Fill Cartridge. For psoriatic arthritis, an IL‑17 inhibitor like Taltz may be discussed. Each option has distinct administration, monitoring, and safety profiles. Your clinician will help select a therapy that aligns with your condition, preferences, and medical history.

Pricing and Access

Canadian medication pricing may be different from typical US cash‑pay amounts. Check Apremilast price and compare your benefits or savings programs. If you pay out of pocket, you can review Apremilast cost details on the product page and decide whether a starter pack or maintenance bottle is best for your prescription.

We provide transparent options and US delivery from Canada when you submit a valid prescription. If you are looking for available promotions, see our current offers on Promotions. For broader support and community information, explore World Psoriasis Day and Psoriasis Action Month 2025.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply and packaging can vary. If your prescribed pack is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an approved alternative or a different package size. In some cases, an Apremilast starter kit may be supplied for new users, followed by maintenance packaging. We cannot promise restock dates; your clinician can advise on suitable substitutions if needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults who prefer an oral option and who meet labeling criteria for psoriatic arthritis or plaque psoriasis. It may not be appropriate for people with certain psychiatric histories, significant weight loss, or those using strong enzyme inducers. Tell your prescriber about your full medical history before starting.

To lower out‑of‑pocket exposure, ask about multi‑month fills if appropriate for your prescription. Setting refill reminders can help prevent gaps in therapy. Manufacturer assistance programs may exist for eligible patients; your prescriber or pharmacy team can share options. Ordering ahead of travel helps you avoid lapses and plan storage safely.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starter plan basics: how the titration works
• Maintenance schedule: when and how to take doses
• Safety checks: what to monitor over time
• Interactions: medicines or supplements to avoid
• Alternatives: when to consider another therapy
• Follow‑up: how often to review progress

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer Information

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada DPD

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