Otezla
(Apremilast)Otezla Prescribing Information
Indications and Usage (1 INDICATIONS AND USAGEOTEZLA/OTEZLA XR, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with:
Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with:
In the pediatric population, OTEZLA is indicated for patients weighing at least 20 kg, and OTEZLA XR is indicated for patients weighing at least 50 kg. 1.1 Psoriatic ArthritisOTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with active psoriatic arthritis. OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with active psoriatic arthritis. 1.2 Plaque PsoriasisOTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. OTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. 1.3 Oral Ulcers Associated with Behçet's DiseaseOTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease. | 08/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dosage and Administration (2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONTo reduce the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, titrate to recommended dosage as follows:
2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Behçet's DiseaseAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease The recommended initial dosage titration from Day 1 to Day 5 is shown in Table 1. Following the 5-day titration with OTEZLA, the recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally starting on Day 6. This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.
Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis The recommended dosage for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is based on body weight. Following the appropriate initial titration schedule shown in Table 2, the recommended maintenance dosage is:
The initial titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.
2.2 Switching Between OTEZLA and OTEZLA XRPatients treated with OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily may be switched to OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily the day following the last dose of OTEZLA 30 mg. Patients treated with OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily may be switched to OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily the day following the last dose of OTEZLA XR 75 mg. 2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Severe Renal ImpairmentAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease For initial dosage titration in adult patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLcr] of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 1 and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage in this group is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .OTEZLA XR is not recommended for adult patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis For initial dosage titration in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and severe renal impairment (CLcr of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 2 for the appropriate body weight category and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage is:
OTEZLA XR is not recommended for pediatric patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .2.4 Important Administration Instructions
| 08/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is indicated for the treatment of:
Adult patients with:
- Active psoriatic arthritis ()
1.1 Psoriatic ArthritisOTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with active psoriatic arthritis.OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with active psoriatic arthritis. - Plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy ()
1.2 Plaque PsoriasisOTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.OTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. - Oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease ()
1.3 Oral Ulcers Associated with Behçet's DiseaseOTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease.
Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with:
- Active psoriatic arthritis ()
1.1 Psoriatic ArthritisOTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with active psoriatic arthritis.OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with active psoriatic arthritis. - Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy ()
1.2 Plaque PsoriasisOTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.OTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
In the pediatric population, OTEZLA is indicated for patients weighing at least 20 kg, and OTEZLA XR is indicated for patients weighing at least 50 kg.
To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, titrate to recommended dosage as follows:
- Adults with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease
- See for the initial titration schedule. Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily (
Table 1. Dosage Titration Schedule for Adult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease OTEZLA Dosage TitrationOTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR Maintenance Dosage Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD)2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Behçet's DiseaseAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseThe recommended initial dosage titration from Day 1 to Day 5 is shown in Table 1. Following the 5-day titration with OTEZLA, the recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally starting on Day 6. This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 1. Dosage Titration Schedule for Adult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease OTEZLA Dosage TitrationOTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR Maintenance Dosage Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QDPediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisThe recommended dosage for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is based on body weight. Following the appropriate initial titration schedule shown in Table 2, the recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh from 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily taken orally
The initial titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 2. Dosage Titration Schedule for Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA Dosage Titration OTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR
Maintenance DosageBody Weight Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily50 kg or more 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD20 kg to less than 50 kg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg OTEZLA 20 mg BID
- See
- Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
- See for the initial titration schedule (
Table 2. Dosage Titration Schedule for Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA Dosage Titration OTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR
Maintenance DosageBody Weight Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily50 kg or more 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD20 kg to less than 50 kg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg OTEZLA 20 mg BID )2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Behçet's DiseaseAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseThe recommended initial dosage titration from Day 1 to Day 5 is shown in Table 1. Following the 5-day titration with OTEZLA, the recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally starting on Day 6. This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 1. Dosage Titration Schedule for Adult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease OTEZLA Dosage TitrationOTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR Maintenance Dosage Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QDPediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisThe recommended dosage for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is based on body weight. Following the appropriate initial titration schedule shown in Table 2, the recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh from 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily taken orally
The initial titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 2. Dosage Titration Schedule for Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA Dosage Titration OTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR
Maintenance DosageBody Weight Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily50 kg or more 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD20 kg to less than 50 kg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg OTEZLA 20 mg BID - For patients weighing 50 kg or more: Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily ()
2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Behçet's DiseaseAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseThe recommended initial dosage titration from Day 1 to Day 5 is shown in Table 1. Following the 5-day titration with OTEZLA, the recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally starting on Day 6. This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 1. Dosage Titration Schedule for Adult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease OTEZLA Dosage TitrationOTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR Maintenance Dosage Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QDPediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisThe recommended dosage for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is based on body weight. Following the appropriate initial titration schedule shown in Table 2, the recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh from 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily taken orally
The initial titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 2. Dosage Titration Schedule for Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA Dosage Titration OTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR
Maintenance DosageBody Weight Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily50 kg or more 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD20 kg to less than 50 kg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg OTEZLA 20 mg BID - For patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg: Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily ()
2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Behçet's DiseaseAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseThe recommended initial dosage titration from Day 1 to Day 5 is shown in Table 1. Following the 5-day titration with OTEZLA, the recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally starting on Day 6. This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 1. Dosage Titration Schedule for Adult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease OTEZLA Dosage TitrationOTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR Maintenance Dosage Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QDPediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisThe recommended dosage for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is based on body weight. Following the appropriate initial titration schedule shown in Table 2, the recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh from 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily taken orally
The initial titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.Table 2. Dosage Titration Schedule for Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA Dosage Titration OTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage.OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR
Maintenance DosageBody Weight Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily50 kg or more 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR
OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD20 kg to less than 50 kg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg OTEZLA 20 mg BID
- See
- Dosage in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment:
- Adult Patients: For initial dosage titration, titrate using only morning schedule listed in Table 1 and skip afternoon doses. Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily ()
2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Severe Renal ImpairmentAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseFor initial dosage titration in adult patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLcr] of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 1 and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage in this group is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].OTEZLA XR is not recommended for adult patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisFor initial dosage titration in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and severe renal impairment (CLcr of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 2 for the appropriate body weight category and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg once daily taken orally
OTEZLA XR is not recommended for pediatric patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. - Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: For initial dosage titration, titrate using only morning schedule for appropriate body weight category in Table 2 and skip afternoon doses ()
2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Severe Renal ImpairmentAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseFor initial dosage titration in adult patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLcr] of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 1 and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage in this group is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].OTEZLA XR is not recommended for adult patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisFor initial dosage titration in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and severe renal impairment (CLcr of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 2 for the appropriate body weight category and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg once daily taken orally
OTEZLA XR is not recommended for pediatric patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].- For patients weighing 50 kg or more: Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily ()
2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Severe Renal ImpairmentAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseFor initial dosage titration in adult patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLcr] of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 1 and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage in this group is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].OTEZLA XR is not recommended for adult patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisFor initial dosage titration in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and severe renal impairment (CLcr of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 2 for the appropriate body weight category and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg once daily taken orally
OTEZLA XR is not recommended for pediatric patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. - For patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg: Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 20 mg once daily ()
2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Severe Renal ImpairmentAdult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's DiseaseFor initial dosage titration in adult patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLcr] of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 1 and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage in this group is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].OTEZLA XR is not recommended for adult patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque PsoriasisFor initial dosage titration in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and severe renal impairment (CLcr of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft–Gault equation), titrate OTEZLA using only the AM schedule listed in Table 2 for the appropriate body weight category and skip the PM doses. The recommended maintenance dosage is:- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg once daily taken orally
OTEZLA XR is not recommended for pediatric patients with severe renal impairment; the appropriate dosage for these patients has not been determined[see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
OTEZLA is available as diamond shaped, film-coated tablets in the following dosage strengths:
- 10-mg pink tablet engraved with "APR" on one side and "10" on the other side
- 20-mg brown tablet engraved with "APR" on one side and "20" on the other side
- 30-mg beige tablet engraved with "APR" on one side and "30" on the other side
OTEZLA XR is available as 75 mg round, biconvex, pink, film-coated extended-release tablets with "APR 75" printed in black on one side and a hole or indentation on either side of the tablet, which may or may not be visible.
2.3 Dosage Adjustment in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Severe Renal Impairment- For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg:OTEZLA 30 mg once daily taken orally
- For pediatric patients who weigh 20 kg to less than 50 kg:OTEZLA 20 mg once daily taken orally
8.6 Renal ImpairmentOTEZLA pharmacokinetics were characterized in adult subjects with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment as defined by a creatinine clearance of 60-89, 30-59, and less than 30 mL per minute, respectively, by the Cockcroft–Gault equation. No dosage adjustment is needed in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. In adult patients with severe renal impairment, reduce the maintenance dosage to OTEZLA 30 mg once daily. In pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and severe renal impairment, reduce the maintenance dosage to OTEZLA 30 mg once daily for pediatric patients weighing at least 50 kg and to OTEZLA 20 mg once daily for pediatric patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg
The pharmacokinetics of OTEZLA XR has not been evaluated in patients with renal impairment. In patients with severe renal impairment, it is recommended that OTEZLA be used instead of OTEZLA XR
OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to apremilast or to any of the excipients in the formulation
5.1 HypersensitivityHypersensitivity reactions, including cases of angioedema and anaphylaxis, have been reported during post marketing surveillance. Avoid the use of OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR in patients with known hypersensitivity to apremilast or to any of the excipients in the formulation. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions develop during treatment, discontinue OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR and institute appropriate therapy.
6.1 Clinical Trials ExperienceBecause clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
OTEZLA was evaluated in three multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (PsA-1, PsA-2, and PsA-3) of similar design in adult subjects with active psoriatic arthritis
The majority of the most common adverse reactions presented in Table 3 occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment and tended to resolve over time with continued dosing. Diarrhea, headache, and nausea were the most commonly reported adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation for subjects taking OTEZLA were nausea (1.8%), diarrhea (1.8%), and headache (1.2%). The proportion of subjects with psoriatic arthritis who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reaction was 4.6% for subjects taking OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily and 1.2% for placebo-treated subjects.
| Placebo | OTEZLA 30 mg BIDBID = twice daily. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse Reactions | Day 1 to 5 (N = 495) n (%)n (%) indicates number of subjects and percent. | Day 6 to Day 112 (N = 490) n (%) | Day 1 to 5 (N = 497) n (%) | Day 6 to Day 112 (N = 493) n (%) |
| DiarrheaOf the reported gastrointestinal adverse reactions, 1 subject experienced a serious adverse reaction of nausea and vomiting in OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily; 1 subject treated with OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily experienced a serious adverse reaction of diarrhea; 1 subject treated with OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily experienced a serious adverse reaction of headache. | 6 (1.2) | 8 (1.6) | 46 (9.3) | 38 (7.7) |
| Nausea | 7 (1.4) | 15 (3.1) | 37 (7.4) | 44 (8.9) |
| Headache | 9 (1.8) | 11 (2.2) | 24 (4.8) | 29 (5.9) |
| Upper respiratory tract infectionOf the reported adverse drug reactions none were serious. | 3 (0.6) | 9 (1.8) | 3 (0.6) | 19 (3.9) |
| Vomiting | 2 (0.4) | 2 (0.4) | 4 (0.8) | 16 (3.2) |
| Nasopharyngitis | 1 (0.2) | 8 (1.6) | 1 (0.2) | 13 (2.6) |
| Abdominal pain upper | 0 (0.0) | 1 (0.2) | 3 (0.6) | 10 (2.0) |
The safety of OTEZLA was assessed in 1426 subjects in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in adult subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who were candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Subjects were randomized to receive OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or placebo twice daily. Titration was used over the first 5 days
Diarrhea, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection were the most commonly reported adverse reactions (see Table 4). The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation for subjects taking OTEZLA were nausea (1.6%), diarrhea (1.0%), and headache (0.8%). The proportion of subjects with plaque psoriasis who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reaction was 6.1% for subjects treated with OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily and 4.1% for placebo-treated subjects.
| Adverse Reactions | Placebo (N = 506) n (%) | OTEZLA 30 mg BIDBID = twice daily.(N = 920) n (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea | 32 (6) | 160 (17) |
| Nausea | 35 (7) | 155 (17) |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 31 (6) | 84 (9) |
| Tension headache | 21 (4) | 75 (8) |
| Headache | 19 (4) | 55 (6) |
| Abdominal painTwo subjects treated with OTEZLA experienced serious adverse reaction of abdominal pain. | 11 (2) | 39 (4) |
| Vomiting | 8 (2) | 35 (4) |
| Fatigue | 9 (2) | 29 (3) |
| Dyspepsia | 6 (1) | 29 (3) |
| Decreased appetite | 5 (1) | 26 (3) |
| Insomnia | 4 (1) | 21 (2) |
| Back pain | 4 (1) | 20 (2) |
| Migraine | 5 (1) | 19 (2) |
| Frequent bowel movements | 1 (0) | 17 (2) |
| Depression | 2 (0) | 12 (1) |
| Bronchitis | 2 (0) | 12 (1) |
| Tooth abscess | 0 (0) | 10 (1) |
| Folliculitis | 0 (0) | 9 (1) |
| Sinus headache | 0 (0) | 9 (1) |
Severe worsening of psoriasis (rebound) occurred in 0.3% (4/1184) subjects following discontinuation of treatment with OTEZLA.
OTEZLA was evaluated in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PSOR-3) in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the scalp
OTEZLA was evaluated in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PSOR-5) in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the genital area
OTEZLA was evaluated in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PSOR-6) in pediatric subjects 6 to 17 years of age with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
OTEZLA was evaluated in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PSOR-4) in adult subjects with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis
OTEZLA was evaluated in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (BCT-002) in adult subjects with Behçet's Disease (BD) with active oral ulcers
Diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection were the most commonly reported adverse reactions (see Table 5). The proportion of subjects with BD who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reaction during the placebo-controlled period of the trial, was 2.9% for subjects treated with OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily and 4.9% for placebo-treated subjects.
| Adverse Reactions | Placebo (N = 103) n (%) | OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily (N = 104) n (%) |
|---|---|---|
| DiarrheaThere were no serious adverse reactions of diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. | 21 (20.4) | 43 (41.3) |
| Nausea | 11 (10.7) | 20 (19.2) |
| Headache | 11 (10.7) | 15 (14.4) |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 5 (4.9) | 12 (11.5) |
| Abdominal pain upper | 2 (1.9) | 9 (8.7) |
| Vomiting | 2 (1.9) | 9 (8.7) |
| Back pain | 6 (5.8) | 8 (7.7) |
| Viral upper respiratory tract infection | 5 (4.9) | 7 (6.7) |
| Arthralgia | 3 (2.9) | 6 (5.8) |
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity
- Investigations: Weight decrease
- Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Decreased appetite1 subject treated with OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily experienced a serious adverse reaction.
- Nervous System Disorders: Migraine
- Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Cough
- Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Rash