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Is Otezla (apremilast) an immunosuppressant?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on April 10, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

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 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

Otezla may need to be taken long-term to manage the chronic conditions it is used to treat — psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. But exactly how long it should be taken can vary because it can depend on factors like personal preference and condition severity. Continue reading

There is no evidence that it is unsafe to drink alcohol while taking Otezla. However, there are other reasons why it can be beneficial to limit alcohol consumption if you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Continue reading

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