Apremilast Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 29, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 30 mg; 10 mg-20 mg-30 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Behcet's Disease
Psoriatic Arthritis
Plaque Psoriasis

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Behcet's Disease

Initial dose titration:

Day 1: 10 mg orally once a day (AM)
Day 2: 10 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
Day 3: 10 mg orally once a day (AM) and 20 mg orally once a day (PM)
Day 4: 20 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
Day 5: 20 mg orally once a day (AM) and 30 mg orally once a day (PM)

Maintenance dose (Day 6 and thereafter): 30 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)

Comments:

Dose titration is intended to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial treatment.

Uses:

For the treatment of patients with active psoriatic arthritis
For the treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy
For the treatment of patients with oral ulcers associated with Behcet's disease

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis

Initial dose titration:

Day 1: 10 mg orally once a day (AM)
Day 2: 10 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
Day 3: 10 mg orally once a day (AM) and 20 mg orally once a day (PM)
Day 4: 20 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
Day 5: 20 mg orally once a day (AM) and 30 mg orally once a day (PM)

Maintenance dose (Day 6 and thereafter): 30 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)

Comments:

Dose titration is intended to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial treatment.

Uses:

For the treatment of patients with active psoriatic arthritis
For the treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy
For the treatment of patients with oral ulcers associated with Behcet's disease

Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis

Initial dose titration:

Day 1: 10 mg orally once a day (AM)
Day 2: 10 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
Day 3: 10 mg orally once a day (AM) and 20 mg orally once a day (PM)
Day 4: 20 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)
Day 5: 20 mg orally once a day (AM) and 30 mg orally once a day (PM)

Maintenance dose (Day 6 and thereafter): 30 mg orally twice a day (AM and PM)

Comments:

Dose titration is intended to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial treatment.

Uses:

For the treatment of patients with active psoriatic arthritis
For the treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy
For the treatment of patients with oral ulcers associated with Behcet's disease

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl 30 to 89 mL/min): No adjustment recommended
Severe renal dysfunction (CrCl less than 30 mL/min): Dose reduction recommended as follows:

Initial dose titration:
Days 1 to 3: 10 mg orally once a day
Days 4 to 5: 20 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose (Day 6 and thereafter): 30 mg orally once a day

Liver Dose Adjustments

Moderate to severe liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh B and C): No adjustment recommended

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Known hypersensitivity to the active component or to any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

For oral use
Dose(s) may be administered without regard to meals.
Do not split, crush, or chew tablets.

Storage requirements:

Store below 30C (86F).

Monitoring:

Gastrointestinal: For signs/symptoms of severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, especially in patients 65 years or older (during treatment)
General: For weight loss (regularly during treatment)
Psychiatric: For depression, suicidal thoughts, or mood changes (at baseline and during treatment)

Patient advice:

Inform your health care provider if psychiatric changes occur, including new or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes.
Contact your health care provider if you experience adverse gastrointestinal reactions, especially if you are 65 years or older.
Notify health your care provider regarding any symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking this drug.
Inform your health care provider of significant or unexplained weight loss; monitor weight regularly.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines and supplements you take.
Pregnant patients or women of childbearing potential: Alert your health care provider of a known/suspected pregnancy.