Is Otezla (apremilast) an immunosuppressant?
Otezla is used in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Behçet's Disease as it reduces inflammation
by regulating inflammatory mediators produced by immune cells.
It does this by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), which modifies the inflammatory response by
- lowering inflammatory mediators
- increasing anti-inflammatory mediators.
This results in reduced inflammation and a reduction in symptoms.
Does Otezla lower immunity?
Otezla is thought to have a greater effect on innate immunity compared to adaptive immunity, with no effect on T-cell or B-cell expansion. This may explain why clinical studies show a lower risk of serious infection.
References
- Apremilast is a selective PDE4 inhibitor with regulatory effects on innate immunity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0898656814001909
- Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471628/
- Otezla Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/otezla.html
Read next
Sotyktu vs Otezla: How do they compare?
Sotyktu and Otezla are both oral prescription medicines used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, but they work in different ways. Sotyktu blocks a protein called TYK2 (tyrosine kinase 2) to help lower inflammation and improve the severity and number of psoriasis lesions. Otezla works by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) enzyme to lower inflammation. Continue reading
How long does it take for Otezla to work?
Otezla (apremilast) is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children 6 years and older (and weighing at least 20 kg), as well as psoriatic arthritis and Behçet’s Disease in adults. Patients may start to feel an improvement within the first few weeks, but symptoms can further improve over 12 to 16 weeks. Continue reading
Who makes Otezla and why is it so expensive?
Otezla is made by Amgen Inc, located in Thousand Oaks, California. Otezla is expensive because it is the original, brand name drug and Otezla's manufacturer sponsored the clinical development. The lower-cost generic option called apremilast was approved by the FDA in February 2021, but may not yet be on the market. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- How does Otezla work and what's its MOA?
- What are the new drugs for plaque psoriasis?
- Do you need to take Otezla forever?
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- How to stop taking Otezla?
- Does Otezla cause weight gain?
- Is Otezla a biologic? What is Otezla used for?
- Does Otezla cause depression?
- How long has Otezla been on the market?
- Is Otezla safe to take during pregnancy?
Drug information
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