Comprehensive medication guide to Apremilast including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$150/month
Estimated Cash Pricing
$5,000–$6,800/month
Medfinder Findability Score
60/100
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Apremilast is an oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor sold under the brand name Otezla, manufactured by Amgen Inc. It is FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults (and pediatric patients weighing at least 20 kg) who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, active psoriatic arthritis in adults, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet's disease in adults.
Unlike many other psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments that are injectable biologics, Apremilast is taken as a pill, making it a convenient option for patients who prefer oral medication. It is not a biologic and does not suppress the immune system as broadly as traditional immunosuppressants.
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![Why Is Apremilast So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fddd9f9c9f1f414d5e263eb47210887f1b14a5189-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
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Otezla 10 mg tablet — tablet
used during the 5-day titration period
Otezla 20 mg tablet — tablet
used during the 5-day titration period
Otezla 30 mg tablet — tablet
standard maintenance dose (taken twice daily)
Otezla Starter Pack
5-day titration kit containing 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg tablets
Otezla XR 75 mg extended-release tablet — tablet
once-daily formulation (no titration required)
The most frequently reported side effects of Apremilast are gastrointestinal and typically improve after the first few weeks of treatment. The 5-day dose titration schedule is designed to minimize these effects.
Serious side effects are less common but include severe diarrhea or vomiting, depression and suicidal thoughts (patients should be closely monitored), unexplained weight loss, and rare hypersensitivity reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mood changes, significant weight loss, or severe GI symptoms.
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Methotrexate
A traditional systemic immunosuppressant available as oral tablets or injection. Much less expensive than Apremilast (often under $50/month), but requires regular blood work to monitor liver function and blood counts.
Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu)
A newer oral TYK2 inhibitor approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Like Apremilast, it's a pill, but works through a different mechanism. May be an option if Apremilast isn't effective.
Adalimumab (Humira)
A TNF inhibitor biologic given by injection, approved for both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Biosimilars are now available at lower cost than the original brand.
Secukinumab (Cosentyx)
An IL-17A inhibitor biologic given by injection. Generally considered more effective than Apremilast for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, but requires injections and is more expensive.
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Strong CYP450 inducers (major interaction — avoid)
majorRifampin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and phenytoin can reduce Apremilast levels by up to 72%, making it ineffective. These should not be taken together.
St. John's Wort
moderateThis herbal supplement is a CYP450 inducer and may decrease Apremilast's effectiveness.
Other moderate CYP450 inducers
moderateMay reduce Apremilast levels; discuss with your doctor.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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