apremilast
Pronunciation: a PRE mi last
Brand: Otezla
Otezla
30 mg, diamond, beige, imprinted with APR, 30
What is the most important information I should know about apremilast?
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking apremilast. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
What is apremilast?
Apremilast is used to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults.
Apremilast is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who may also receive phototherapy or other treatments for psoriasis.
Apremilast is also used to treat mouth ulcers in adults with Behçet's disease (a disease causing inflammation in blood vessels).
Apremilast may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking apremilast?
You should not use apremilast if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease; or
- depression or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking apremilast. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Apremilast may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of apremilast on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Apremilast is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take apremilast?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take apremilast with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Keep track of your body weight while you are taking this medicine, and tell your doctor about any major weight loss.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking apremilast?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of apremilast?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting;
- unexplained weight loss, or if you lose a lot of weight;
- mood changes, new or worsening depression; or
- thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, diarrhea;
- headache; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect apremilast?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Other drugs may affect apremilast, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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