What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Otezla (Apremilast)

Sezzle
Brand

Otezla (Apremilast)

Prescription Required

Strength
Qty
30mg
10mg / 20mg / 30mg

You'll have option to make 4 interest-free payments by credit card once your order is confirmed using Sezzle

Generic Equivalent - Otezla (Apremilast)

Prescription Required

Strength
Qty
10mg
20mg
30mg

You'll have option to make 4 interest-free payments by credit card once your order is confirmed using Sezzle

  • Product Details

    Description

    Otezla (apremilast) is an oral tablet taken by adults who have active psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis and are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, and oral ulcers related to Behçet’s Disease.


    Fact Table

    Formula

    C22H24N2O7S

    License

    US DailyMed, EU EMA, US FDA

    Bioavailability

    73%

    Legal status

    Rx-Only

    Chemical Name

    Apremilast

    Elimination half-life

    6–9 hours

    Dosage (Strength)

    10mg, 20mg, 30mg

    Pregnancy

    Consult Doctor

    Brands

    Otezla

    Protein binding

    73%

    PubChem CID

    11561674

    MedlinePlus

    a614022

    ChEBI

    78540

    ATC code

    L04AA32

    DrugBank

    DB05676

    KEGG

    D08860

    Routes of administration

    By mouth (tablets)

    Directions

    The instructions that come with your Otezla prescription should be followed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 

    Oteza comes in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg tablets. 

    Because Otezla can cause gastrointestinal problems, it is recommended to steadily titrate Otezla until a dose of 30 mg by mouth two times a day is reached according to the suggested schedule:

    Day 1: 10 mg by mouth in the morning

    Day 2: 10 mg by mouth in the morning and 10 mg by mouth in the evening

    Day 3: 10 mg by mouth in the morning and 20 mg by mouth in the evening

    Day 4: 20 mg by mouth in the morning and 20 mg by mouth in the evening

    Day 5: 20 mg by mouth in the morning and 30 mg by mouth in the evening

    Day 6 and thereafter: 30 mg by mouth two times a day

    The dose may be adjusted based on kidney function.

    Ingredients

    Apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, is the active ingredient in each Otezla tablet. The inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and iron oxide red. The 20 mg and 30 mg tablets also contain iron oxide yellow. The 30 mg tablet also contains iron oxide black.

    Contraindications

    Do not take Oteza if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the other ingredients or excipients contained in Otezla tablets.

    Cautions

    • Before you start treatment with Otezla, be sure to inform your doctor of:
      • All the medications you take
      • Your allergies
      • Your medical history and current medical conditions
      • Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
    • Otezla can cause allergic reactions that may be severe. Seek emergency care immediately if you have a rash, a rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
    • Otezla can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 
    • Otezla can cause mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Patients, their families, or their caregivers should report any mood changes to the patient's doctor.
    • Otezla can cause weight loss. You should monitor your weight regularly.
    • Taking Otezla with strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers can cause the medication not to work as well. Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether or not you take cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers.

    Side Effects

    The most common Otezla side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection; however, these are not all the side effects that can occur with the use of Otezla. Contact your doctor immediately if you have bothersome or persistent side effects.

    Reference:

    Otezla (apremilast) tablets, for oral use. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen Inc.; 2021.




    IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

    Product Code : 13206

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