All medications
Targeted oral therapies
Apremilast
Brand names: Otezla
An oral anti-inflammatory that gently dials down immune cell activity, with no routine blood monitoring.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and mouth ulcers in Behçet’s disease.
How it works
It blocks PDE4, an enzyme inside immune cells, which lowers production of inflammatory messengers.
How it’s taken
A tablet twice a day, started with a 5-day titration pack.
Side effects
Diarrhea, nausea and headache in the first weeks, usually easing. Some people lose weight. Rarely, low mood.
Monitoring
No routine lab tests are needed. Watch weight and mood.
Good to know
A good option when infection risk or lab visits are a concern.
At a glance
Class
Targeted oral therapies
Brand names
Otezla
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.