Below are the general guidelines for dosing Otezla (apremilast). Note that these dosages may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis for individual patients. Always follow your prescribing physician’s instructions for taking Otezla.
The following information comes from DailyMed, an FDA label information provider.
What if I miss a dose of Otezla?
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
What if I overdose on Otezla?
In case of overdose, patients should seek immediate medical help. Patients should be managed by symptomatic and supportive care should there be an overdose. If you believe you or someone you know has overdosed on Otezla or any medication please call poison control 1- (800) 222-1222 and 911 in case of medical emergency.
How is Otezla administered?
Dosage in Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriasis, and Behçet’s Disease
The recommended initial dosage titration of OTEZLA from Day 1 to Day 5 is shown in TABLE 1. Following the 5-day titration, the recommended maintenance dosage is 30 mg twice daily taken orally starting on Day 6. This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy.
OTEZLA can be administered without regard to meals. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets.
Please Note: Depending on the patient, dosing may differ than stated below. Always consult your pharmacist or prescribing physician about dosing amounts specific to your needs before starting treatment with Otezla. Below is the general dosing amount from DailyMed. Your dose may differ.
- Day 1: 10 mg AM
- Day 2: 10 mg AM; 10 mg PM
- Day 3: 10 mg AM; 20 mg PM
- Day 4: 20 mg AM; 20 mg PM
- Day 5: 20 mg AM; 30 mg PM
- Day 6 & thereafter: 30 mg AM; 30 mg PM
Dosage Adjustment in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment
OTEZLA dosage should be reduced to 30 mg once daily (AFTER DAY 6) in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance (CrCl) of less than 30 mL per minute estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation). For initial dosage titration in this group, it is recommended that OTEZLA be titrated using only the AM schedule listed in TABLE 1, and the PM doses are skipped.
How is Otezla supplied?
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.
Tablets are supplied in the following strengths and package configurations:
| Package configuration | Tablet strength | NDC number |
| Bottles of 60 | 30 mg | 59572-631-06 |
| Two-week starter pack | 13-tablet blister titration pack containing: (4) 10-mg, (4) 20-mg, and (5) 30-mg tablets with an additional (14) 30-mg tablets | 59572-630-27 |
| 28-count carton | Two 30-mg blister cards containing (14) 30-mg tablets | 59572-631-28 |
| 28-day starter pack | 13-tablet blister titration pack containing: (4) 10-mg, (4) 20-mg, and (5) 30-mg tablets with an additional (42) 30-mg tablets | 59572-632-55 |
Storage and Handling
Store tablets below 30°C (86°F).
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.
