apremilast

Acts as an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4). Inhibition of PDE4 results in ↑ intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

Therapeutic effects:

Reduction in severity of psoriatic arthritis with improved joint function.
Reduction in severity of plaques.
Reduction in number of and pain associated with oral ulcers.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: 73% absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized (mostly by CYP3A4); metabolites are not pharmacologically active. Excreted in urine (58%) and feces (39%) as inactive metabolites; 3% excreted unchanged in urine, 7% in feces.

Half-Life: 6–9 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(blood levels‡)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	2.5 hr	12–24 hr

‡Improvement in joint symptoms make take up to 4 mos.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity;
Concurrent use of CYP450 enzyme inducers.

Use Cautiously in:

History of depression or suicidal ideation;
Severe renal impairment (dose ↓ required for CCr <30 mL/min);
Taking diuretics or antihypertensive medications (may be at higher risk of complications from severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea);
OB: Use during pregnancy only if potential maternal benefits justify potential fetal risks;
Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefits justify potential risks to infant;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children
Geri: Older adults may be at ↑ risk of complications from severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, vomiting

Metab: weight loss

Neuro: depression, headache

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Concurrent use of CYP450 inducers, including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and rifampin may ↓ blood levels and effectiveness; concurrent use should be avoided.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 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 thereafter: 30 mg in the morning and 30 mg in the evening.

Renal Impairment

PO (Adults CCr <30 mL/min): Days 1–3: 10 in the morning; days 4–5: 20 mg in the morning; day 6 and thereafter: 30 mg in the morning.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Tablets: 10 mg; 20 mg; 30 mg

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess pain and range of motion before and periodically during therapy.
Monitor mental status for signs and symptoms of depression (orientation, mood behavior) frequently. Assess for suicidal tendencies, especially during early therapy.
Obtain weight and BMI initially and periodically during treatment. If clinically significant weight loss occurs, evaluate weight loss and consider discontinuation of therapy.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Follow titration guidelines when beginning therapy to minimize GI side effects.
PO: Administer without regard for meals. DNC: Swallow tablet whole; do not crush, break, or chew.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take apremilast as directed.
Advise patient, family and caregivers to look for suicidality, especially during early therapy or dose changes. Notify health care professional immediately if thoughts about suicide or dying, attempts to commit suicide, new or worse depression or anxiety, agitation or restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, new or worse irritability, aggressiveness, acting on dangerous impulses, mania, or other changes in mood or behavior occur.
Inform patient of risk of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Instruct patient to notify health care professional if severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea occur; may need to consider dose reduction or interruption of therapy.
Inform patient of need to monitor weight regularly. Notify health care professional if unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs: may need to discontinue therapy.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding. Encourage patients to enroll in pregnancy registry for women who have taken apremilast during pregnancy 1-877-311-8972 to enroll or visit https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/otezla/

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

Improvement in pain and function in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
Increased healing of lesions in plaque psoriasis.
Improvement in oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Code ⬆

NDC Code

59572- Celgene Corporation
- 59572-630- OTEZLA
  - 59572-630-27- 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK (59572-630-27)

59572- Celgene Corporation
- 59572-630- OTEZLA
  - 59572-630-99- 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK (59572-630-99)

59572- Celgene Corporation
- 59572-631- OTEZLA
  - 59572-631-06- 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (59572-631-06)

59572- Celgene Corporation
- 59572-631- OTEZLA
  - 59572-631-28- 28 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (59572-631-28) > 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK

59572- Celgene Corporation
- 59572-632- OTEZLA
  - 59572-632-55- 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK (59572-632-55)

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇