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Apremilast

Information about Apremilast

Apremilast Uses

Apremilast is used in the treatment of Plaque psoriasis. It is used in patients who have had an inadequate response or have been intolerant to a previous medication.

How Apremilast works

Apremilast is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, and thereby reduces the signs and symptoms of these conditions.

Common side effects of Apremilast

Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Upper respiratory tract infection, Headache, Tension headache, Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Decreased appetite, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Depression, Migraine, Cough, Dyspepsia, Increased bowel movements, Upper abdominal pain, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Back pain, Fatigue, Tooth abscess, Hair follicle inflammation, Joint pain

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Mayank

Pharm.D

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated

18 Mar 2020 | 09:43 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Apremilast

AprezoGlenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹100 to ₹3334 variant(s)

AplexAjanta Pharma Ltd

₹182 to ₹1852 variant(s)

PdlastSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹2341 variant(s)

AvplexMonark Biocare Pvt Ltd

₹651 variant(s)

ApremistCorona Remedies Pvt Ltd

₹1931 variant(s)

AlizapEris Lifesciences Ltd

₹3111 variant(s)

AprenoIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹321 variant(s)

AprepsoraDaxia Healthcare

₹159 to ₹2342 variant(s)

ArthlastWallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹2341 variant(s)

AprotylFDC Ltd

₹225 to ₹2762 variant(s)

Expert advice for Apremilast

Apremilast is a well-tolerated medicine. Mild stomach upset may occur early during the treatment.
Monitor your weight regularly as Apremilast may cause weight loss.
Your doctor will gradually increase the dose from day 1 to day 6 of treatment, after which it may be kept constant.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, other mood changes or unexplained weight loss.

Frequently asked questions for Apremilast

Apremilast

Q. Is Apremilast an immunosuppressant?

No, Apremilast is not an immunosuppressant. It belongs to a class of medicines known as phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors (PDE4) which work by blocking the activity of PDE4. PDE4 is found in inflammatory cells and blocking it helps in reducing the molecules responsible for inflammation.

Q. How long does it take for Apremilast to work?

Apremilast is used to treat plaque psoriasis (red, scaly, thick, itchy, painful patches on skin) and psoriatic arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain and swelling). It is a long-term treatment and may take about 16 weeks to show an improvement.

Q. Can Apremilast cause depression?

Yes, Apremilast may cause depression as a side effect. The patient may also develop suicidal thoughts. It should be avoided in patients with a history of depression. In case you develop any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately or ask your friends or relatives to help seek medical advice.

Q. Does Apremilast cause weight reduction?

Yes, Apremilast may cause a decrease in appetite which may further cause weight loss. You should monitor your weight regularly while on treatment with Apremilast. In case of significant weight loss, consult your doctor and consider stopping Apremilast.

Q. How should Apremilast be taken?

Be sure to take Apremilast exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe a low dose initially. This dose will be increased gradually after 6 days. Swallow the tablets whole with water. You can take it with or without food.

Q. Can I take rifampicin along with Apremilast?

You should not take rifampicin if you are taking Apremilast. Rifampicin interferes with the working of Apremilast by decreasing its levels, making it less effective. As a result, you may not see any improvement after taking Apremilast.

Q. What if I get pregnant during treatment with Apremilast?

In case you get pregnant while taking Apremilast, you should inform your doctor immediately. In fact, pregnancy should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. The reason being, according to animal studies, with Apremilast there may be a risk of baby loss or defects in unborn baby.