Otezla (Apremilast)

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What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet taken to treat adults who have active psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis and are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, and oral ulcers related to Behçet’s Disease.


Fact Table

Formula

C22H24N2O7S

License

US DailyMed, EU EMA, US FDA

Bioavailability

73%

Legal status

Rx-Only

Chemical Name

Apremilast

Elimination half-life

6–9 hours

Dosage (Strength)

10mg, 20mg, 30mg

Pregnancy

Consult Doctor

Brands

Otezla

Protein binding

73%

PubChem CID

11561674

MedlinePlus

a614022

ChEBI

78540

ATC code

L04AA32

DrugBank

DB05676

KEGG

D08860

Routes of administration

By mouth (tablets)

Directions

Read and follow the instructions that come with your Otezla prescription. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Oteza is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg tablets. 

It is recommended to steadily titrate Otezla until a dose of 30 mg by mouth two times a day is reached as Otezla can cause gastrointestinal problems. The following is the suggested schedule: 

Day 1: 10 mg orally in the morning

Day 2: 10 mg orally in the morning and 10 mg orally in the evening

Day 3: 10 mg orally in the morning and 20 mg orally in the evening

Day 4: 20 mg orally in the morning and 20 mg orally in the evening

Day 5: 20 mg orally in the morning and 30 mg orally in the evening

Day 6 and thereafter: 30 mg by mouth twice daily

Based on kidney function, the dose may be adjusted.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in each Otezla tablet is apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. The inactive ingredients contained in Otezla are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and iron oxide red. The 20 mg and 30 mg tablets also contain iron oxide yellow. The 30 mg tablet also contains iron oxide black.

Contraindications

If you have an allergy to apremilast or to any of the other ingredients or excipients contained in Otezla tablets, avoid taking Otezla.

Cautions

  • Before you begin taking Otezla, tell your doctor:
    • If you take any medications
    • If you have any allergies
    • About any health conditions you may have
    • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
    • If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
  • Severe allergic reactions can occur with Otezla. Immediately seek medical attention if you have a rash, a rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can be caused by Otezla. 
  • Mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts, can be caused by Otezla. Any mood changes noticed by patients, their families, or their caregivers should be reported to the patient's doctor.
  • Weight loss can be induced by Otezla. Your weight should be monitored regularly. 
  • Taking Otezla with strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers can cause the medication not to work as well. If you are unsure whether or not you take cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers, ask your doctor.

Side Effects

The most common Otezla side effects include the following: diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection. These are not all of the side effects that can occur while taking Otezla. Immediately talk to your doctor if you develop worrisome or persistent side effects. 

Reference:

  1. Otezla (apremilast) tablets, for oral use. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen Inc.; 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions about Otezla


What is Otezla?

Otezla helps with inflammation and treats psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers in adults with Behçet’s Disease.


Is Otezla an immunosuppressant?

Yes, Otezla suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation.


Why is Otezla so expensive?

Otezla's high cost is because it's not yet available in generic form due to patent protection.


Is Otezla a steroid?

No, Otezla isn't a steroid; it's a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor.


How does Otezla work?

Otezla reduces inflammation by inhibiting PDE4 activity, which slows down cell growth in plaque psoriasis.


How long does it take for Otezla to work?

The time for Otezla to work varies; some may see improvement in a few weeks, while others may take longer.


Do Otezla side effects go away?

Mild side effects like diarrhea and nausea may disappear in a few days. Serious side effects should be reported to the doctor.


Does Otezla cause weight loss?

Yes, Otezla may cause weight loss due to reduced appetite.


Do you take Otezla forever?

The duration of Otezla treatment depends on your condition and response, guided by your doctor.


Does Otezla cause hair loss?

Hair loss isn't a common side effect of Otezla.


Does Otezla help with fatigue?

Otezla has been linked to improved fatigue in psoriatic arthritis patients, but results can vary.



IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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