Otezla (apremilast) might not be right for everyone. If you are concerned that Otezla is not right for you and a different medication or additional types of treatments might be better for you, talk with your prescribing physician. There are alternative medications and treatments available. Please note the following list is not complete, and treatment will look different for everyone.
Different Medicines
If Otezla does not work for you, your doctor may suggest alternative medications, including but not limited to:
- Humira (adalimumab): immunosuppressive drug that treats plaque psoriasis
- Skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa): biologic drug that treats plaque psoriasis
- Stelara (ustekinumab): immunosuppressive drug that treats plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
- Steroid drugs, including Desonide, Alclometasone, Triamcinolone acetonide, Halcinonide
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, including Dithranol
Please note that each medication treats very specific symptoms, and various types of medication, as well as various brands, may work well for one person but not another. It is important to discuss your options in-depth with your physician before stopping treatment with Otezla.
Non-Prescription Treatments
If you and your doctor decide taking prescription medication is not right for you, there are non-prescription treatment options available. Some of these options include but are not limited to:
- Cold or warm compresses
- Ice packs
- Over-the-counter medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen
- Ultraviolet light therapy
- Surgery, in severe cases
Treatment may look different for everyone, just as potential side effects from Otezla may differ from one person to another. To find the best treatment for you, track any side effects you experience with Otezla and report them to your doctor, who will be able to help you determine if your treatment needs to be adjusted.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.