On this page
Otezla
apremilast · Kit
Overview
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryRegulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205437-001 | OTEZLA | TABLET | APREMILAST | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 205437-002 | OTEZLA | TABLET | APREMILAST | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 205437-003 | OTEZLA | TABLET | APREMILAST | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Patents and exclusivity
Source: Orange Book| Patent | Expires | Product | Substance | Use code | Submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7427638 | February 16, 2028 | 001 | Yes | April 15, 2014 | |
| 7427638 | February 16, 2028 | 002 | Yes | April 15, 2014 | |
| 7427638 | February 16, 2028 | 003 | Yes | April 15, 2014 | |
| 7427638*PED | August 16, 2028 | 001 | No | — | |
| 7427638*PED | August 16, 2028 | 002 | No | — | |
| 7427638*PED | August 16, 2028 | 003 | No | — | |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 001 | No | U-4291 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 001 | No | U-1858 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 001 | No | U-4290 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 002 | No | U-4291 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 002 | No | U-1858 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 002 | No | U-4290 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 003 | No | U-4291 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 003 | No | U-1858 | April 16, 2026 |
| 12576034 | November 30, 2033 | 003 | No | U-4290 | April 16, 2026 |
| 10092541 | May 29, 2034 | 001 | No | U-2403 | October 9, 2018 |
| 10092541 | May 29, 2034 | 001 | No | U-2659 | October 9, 2018 |
| 9872854 | May 29, 2034 | 001 | No | U-2232 | February 21, 2018 |
| 9872854 | May 29, 2034 | 001 | No | U-2233 | February 21, 2018 |
| 9872854 | May 29, 2034 | 002 | No | U-2232 | February 21, 2018 |
| 9872854 | May 29, 2034 | 002 | No | U-2233 | February 21, 2018 |
| 10092541 | May 29, 2034 | 002 | No | U-2659 | October 9, 2018 |
| 10092541 | May 29, 2034 | 002 | No | U-2403 | October 9, 2018 |
| 9872854 | May 29, 2034 | 003 | No | U-2232 | February 21, 2018 |
| 10092541 | May 29, 2034 | 003 | No | U-2403 | October 9, 2018 |
| 10092541 | May 29, 2034 | 003 | No | U-2659 | October 9, 2018 |
| 9872854 | May 29, 2034 | 003 | No | U-2233 | February 21, 2018 |
| 12576034*PED | May 30, 2034 | 001 | No | — | |
| 12576034*PED | May 30, 2034 | 002 | No | — | |
| 12576034*PED | May 30, 2034 | 003 | No | — | |
| 9872854*PED | November 29, 2034 | 001 | No | — | |
| 10092541*PED | November 29, 2034 | 001 | No | — | |
| 9872854*PED | November 29, 2034 | 002 | No | — | |
| 10092541*PED | November 29, 2034 | 002 | No | — | |
| 9872854*PED | November 29, 2034 | 003 | No | — | |
| 10092541*PED | November 29, 2034 | 003 | No | — |
| Code | Expires | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ODE-248 | July 19, 2026 | 001 |
| ODE-248 | July 19, 2026 | 002 |
| ODE-248 | July 19, 2026 | 003 |
| M-299 | July 20, 2026 | 001 |
| M-299 | July 20, 2026 | 002 |
| M-299 | July 20, 2026 | 003 |
| PED | January 19, 2027 | 001 |
| PED | January 19, 2027 | 002 |
| PED | January 19, 2027 | 003 |
| PED | January 20, 2027 | 001 |
| PED | January 20, 2027 | 002 |
| PED | January 20, 2027 | 003 |
| NPP | April 25, 2027 | 001 |
| NPP | April 25, 2027 | 002 |
| NPP | April 25, 2027 | 003 |
| PED | October 25, 2027 | 001 |
| PED | October 25, 2027 | 002 |
| PED | October 25, 2027 | 003 |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 16 | Labeling | Approved | December 23, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 14 | Efficacy | Approved | July 23, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 13 | Efficacy | Approved | April 25, 2024 | Priority |
| Supplement | 12 | Efficacy | Approved | July 20, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Efficacy | Approved | December 20, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Efficacy | Approved | April 10, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Efficacy | Approved | July 19, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | June 29, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | December 21, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 27, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 19, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 28, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 22, 2014 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | March 21, 2014 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · February 24, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · December 31, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · December 30, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · July 25, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · July 25, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · April 26, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · April 26, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · November 28, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · July 21, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · July 21, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · April 13, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · April 13, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · July 22, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · July 19, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · July 5, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · June 30, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · December 28, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2015
- 0 · Original application · April 17, 2014
- 0 · Original application · March 25, 2014
- 0 · Original application · March 25, 2014
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260902). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with: Active psoriatic arthritis ( 1.1 ) Plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy ( 1.2 ) Oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease ( 1.3 ) Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with: Active psoriatic arthritis ( 1.1 ) Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy ( 1.2 ) In the pediatric population, OTEZLA is indicated for patients weighing at least 20 kg, and OTEZLA XR is indicated for patients weighing at least 50 kg. 1.1 Psoriatic Arthritis OTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with active psoriatic arthritis. OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with active psoriatic arthritis. 1.2 Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. OTEZLA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 50 kg with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. 1.3 Oral Ulcers Associated with Behçet's Disease OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, titrate to recommended dosage as follows: Adults with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease See Table 1 for the initial titration schedule. Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis See Table 2 for the initial titration schedule ( 2.1 ) For patients weighing 50 kg or more : Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily ( 2.1 ) For patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg : Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily ( 2.1 ) Dosage in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment : Adult Patients : For initial dosage titration, titrate using only morning schedule listed in Table 1 and skip afternoon doses. Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily ( 2.3 ) Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis : For initial dosage titration, titrate using only morning schedule for appropriate body weight category in Table 2 and skip afternoon doses ( 2.3 ) For patients weighing 50 kg or more: Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg once daily ( 2.3 ) For patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg: Recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 20 mg once daily ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Behçet's Disease Adult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease The recommended initial dosage titration from Day 1 to Day 5 is shown in Table 1. Following the 5-day titration with OTEZLA, the recommended maintenance dosage is OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally starting on Day 6. This titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy. Table 1. Dosage Titration Schedule for Adult Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease OTEZLA Dosage Titration OTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage. OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR Maintenance Dosage Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis The recommended dosage for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older and weighing at least 20 kg with psoriatic arthritis or moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is based on body weight. Following the appropriate initial titration schedule shown in Table 2, the recommended maintenance dosage is: For pediatric patients who weigh at least 50 kg: OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily or OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily taken orally For pediatric patients who weigh from 20 kg to less than 50 kg: OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily taken orally The initial titration is intended to reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial therapy. Table 2. Dosage Titration Schedule for Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at Least 20 kg with Psoriatic Arthritis or Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA Dosage Titration OTEZLA tablets should be used for the initial titration regardless of whether OTEZLA or OTEZLA XR will be used for the maintenance dosage. OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR Maintenance Dosage Body Weight Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 & thereafter AM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM BID = twice daily; QD = once daily 50 kg or more 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 20 mg 30 mg OTEZLA 30 mg BID OR OTEZLA XR 75 mg QD 20 kg to less than 50 kg 10 mg 10 mg 10 mg 10 m …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 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 OTEZLA XR is available as 75 mg round, biconvex, pink, film-coated extended-release tablets with "APR 75" printed in black on one side and a hole or indentation on either side of the tablet, which may or may not be visible. OTEZLA Tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg ( 3 ) OTEZLA XR Tablets: 75 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to apremilast or to any of the excipients in the formulation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to apremilast or to any of the excipients in the formulation ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity : Cases of angioedema and anaphylaxis have been reported during post marketing surveillance. Avoid the use of OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR in patients with known hypersensitivity to apremilast or to any of the excipients in the formulation. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions develop during treatment, discontinue OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR and institute appropriate therapy ( 5.1 ) Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting : Consider OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR dosage reduction or suspension if patients develop severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting ( 5.2 ) Depression : Advise patients, their caregivers, and families to be alert for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes and if such changes occur to contact their healthcare provider. Carefully weigh risks and benefits of treatment with OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior ( 5.3 ) Weight Decrease : Monitor weight regularly. If unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs, evaluate weight loss and consider discontinuation of OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR ( 5.4 ) Drug Interactions : Use with strong cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) is not recommended because loss of efficacy may occur ( 5.5 , 7.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity reactions, including cases of angioedema and anaphylaxis, have been reported during post marketing surveillance. Avoid the use of OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR in patients with known hypersensitivity to apremilast or to any of the excipients in the formulation. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions develop during treatment, discontinue OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR and institute appropriate therapy. 5.2 Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting There have been reports of severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting associated with the use of OTEZLA. Most events occurred within the first few weeks of treatment. In some cases, patients were hospitalized. Patients 65 years of age or older and patients taking medications that can lead to volume depletion or hypotension may be at a higher risk of complications from severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Monitor patients who are more susceptible to complications of diarrhea or vomiting. Patients who reduced dosage or discontinued OTEZLA generally improved quickly. Consider OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR dosage reduction or suspension if patients develop severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. 5.3 Depression Treatment with apremilast is associated with an increased incidence of depression. Before using OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior, carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR. Advise patients, their caregivers, and families of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes, and if such changes occur to contact their healthcare provider. Carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR if such events occur. Psoriatic Arthritis : During the 16-week placebo-controlled period of the 3 controlled clinical trials, 1.0% (10/998) of subjects treated with OTEZLA reported depression or depressed mood compared to 0.8% (4/495) treated with placebo. During the clinical trials, 0.3% (4/1441) of subjects treated with OTEZLA discontinued treatment due to depression or depressed mood compared with none in placebo treated subjects (0/495). Depression was reported as serious in 0.2% (3/1441) of subjects exposed to OTEZLA, compared to none in placebo-treated subjects (0/495). Instances of suicidal ideation and behavior have been observed in 0.2% (3/1441) of subjects while receiving OTEZLA, compared to none in placebo treated subjects (0/495). In the clinical trials, 2 subjects who received placebo committed suicide compared to none in OTEZLA-treated subjects. Plaque Psoriasis : During the 16-week plac …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Weight Decrease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Drug Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Psoriatic Arthritis : The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) are diarrhea, nausea, and headache ( 6.1 ) Plaque Psoriasis : The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) are diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache, including tension headache ( 6.1 ) Behçet's Disease : The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) are diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amgen Inc. at 1-800-77-AMGEN (1-800-772-6436) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Psoriatic Arthritis Clinical Trials OTEZLA was evaluated in three multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (PsA-1, PsA-2, and PsA-3) of similar design in adult subjects with active psoriatic arthritis [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Across the three trials, there were 1493 subjects randomized equally to placebo, OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily or OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily. Titration was used over the first 5 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Placebo subjects whose tender and swollen joint counts had not improved by at least 20% were re-randomized 1:1 in a blinded fashion to either OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily or 30 mg twice daily at week 16 while OTEZLA subjects remained on their initial treatment. Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 83 years, with an overall median age of 51 years. The majority of the most common adverse reactions presented in Table 3 occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment and tended to resolve over time with continued dosing. Diarrhea, headache, and nausea were the most commonly reported adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation for subjects taking OTEZLA were nausea (1.8%), diarrhea (1.8%), and headache (1.2%). The proportion of subjects with psoriatic arthritis who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reaction was 4.6% for subjects taking OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily and 1.2% for placebo-treated subjects. Table 3. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of Adult Subjects with Active Psoriatic Arthritis on OTEZLA 30 mg Twice Daily and ≥ 1% than That Observed in Subjects on Placebo up to Day 112 (Week 16) Placebo OTEZLA 30 mg BID BID = twice daily. Adverse Reactions Day 1 to 5 (N = 495) n (%) n (%) indicates number of subjects and percent. Day 6 to Day 112 (N = 490) n (%) Day 1 to 5 (N = 497) n (%) Day 6 to Day 112 (N = 493) n (%) Diarrhea Of the reported gastrointestinal adverse reactions, 1 subject experienced a serious adverse reaction of nausea and vomiting in OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily; 1 subject treated with OTEZLA 20 mg twice daily experienced a serious adverse reaction of diarrhea; 1 subject treated with OTEZLA 30 mg twice daily experienced a serious adverse reaction of headache. 6 (1.2) 8 (1.6) 46 (9.3) 38 (7.7) Nausea 7 (1.4) 15 (3.1) 37 (7.4) 44 (8.9) Headache 9 (1.8) 11 (2.2) 24 (4.8) 29 (5.9) Upper respiratory tract infection Of the reported adverse drug reactions none were serious. 3 (0.6) 9 (1.8) 3 (0.6) 19 (3.9) Vomiting 2 (0.4) 2 (0.4) 4 (0.8) 16 (3.2) Nasopharyngitis 1 (0.2) 8 (1.6) 1 (0.2) 13 (2.6) Abdominal pain upper 0 (0.0) 1 (0.2) 3 (0.6) 10 (2.0) Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis Clinical Trials Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials in Adults The safety of OTEZLA was assessed in 1426 subjects in three randomiz …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Strong CYP450 Inducers Co-administration with strong CYP450 inducers (such as rifampin) decreases apremilast exposure and may result in loss of efficacy of OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Severe Renal Impairment : Increased systemic exposure of OTEZLA has been observed. For adults and for pediatric patients weighing 50 kg or more, reduce dosage to OTEZLA 30 mg once daily. For pediatric patients weighing 20 kg to less than 50 kg, reduce dosage to OTEZLA 20 mg once daily ( 2.3 , 8.6 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with OTEZLA use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data ) . In animal embryo-fetal development studies, the administration of apremilast to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis resulted in dose-related increases in abortion/embryo-fetal death at dose exposures approximately 2-times the maximum recommended human therapeutic dose (MRHD) and no adverse effect at an exposure of 1.4-times the MRHD. When apremilast was administered to pregnant mice during organogenesis, there were no apremilast-induced malformations up to exposures 4-times the MRHD. Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR may increase the risk for fetal loss (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk of fetal loss. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data A pregnancy registry conducted by the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) in the United States and Canada assessed the risk of major birth defects in liveborn infants of women with psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, or Behçet's Disease exposed to apremilast in the first trimester. The study compared pregnant women treated with apremilast (n = 15) with disease matched pregnant women who were not exposed to apremilast (n = 106). In the apremilast-exposed cohort, there were no reports of liveborn infants with major birth defects nor miscarriages. One stillbirth was reported in the apremilast exposed cohort. These data are limited by the small sample size of apremilast-exposed pregnancies. Animal Data In an embryo-fetal developmental study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were administered apremilast at doses of 20, 50, 200, or 1000 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis (gestation Days [GD] 20 through 50). There was a dose -related increase in spontaneous abortions, with most abortions occurring during Weeks 3 to 4 of dosing in the first trimester, at doses approximately 2-times the MRHD and greater (on an area under the curve [AUC] basis at doses ≥ 50 mg/kg/day). No abortifacient effects were observed at a dose approximately 1.4-times the MRHD (on an AUC basis at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day). Although there was no evidence for a teratogenic effect at doses of 20 mg/kg/day and greater when examined at Day 100, aborted fetuses were not examined. In an embryo-fetal development study in mice, apremilast was administered at doses of 250, 500, or 750 mg/kg/day to dams during organogenesis (GD 6 through 15). In a combined fertility and embryo-fetal development study in mice, apremilast was administered at doses of 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg/day starting 15 days before cohabitation and continuing through GD 15. No teratogenic findings attributed to apremilast were observed in either study; however, there was an increase in post-implantation loss at doses corresponding to a systemic exposure of approximately 2-times the MRHD and greater (≥ 20 mg/kg/day). At doses of ≥ 20 mg/kg/day skeletal variations included incomplete ossification sites of tarsals, skull, sternebra, and vertebrae. No effects were observed at a dose approximately 1.3-times the MRHD (10 mg/kg/day). Apremilast distributed across the placenta into the fetal compartment in mice and monkeys. In a pre …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Apremilast is an oral small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) specific for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). PDE4 inhibition results in increased intracellular cAMP levels. The specific mechanism(s) by which apremilast exerts its therapeutic action is not well defined.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR tablets is apremilast. Apremilast drug substance is non-hygroscopic. Apremilast drug substance is practically insoluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Apremilast is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. Apremilast is known chemically as N-[2-[(1S)-1-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-1H-isoindol-4-yl]acetamide. Its empirical formula is C 22 H 24 N 2 O 7 S and the molecular weight is 460.5. The chemical structure is: OTEZLA (apremilast) tablets are supplied in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg strengths for oral administration. Each tablet contains apremilast as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow (20 and 30 mg only), iron oxide black (30 mg only), lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide. OTEZLA XR (apremilast) extended-release tablets are supplied in a 75 mg strength for oral administration. Each tablet contains apremilast as the active ingredient and the following inactive ingredients: cellulose acetate, colloidal silicon dioxide, ferrosoferric oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, hypromellose, iron oxide red, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, sodium chloride, titanium dioxide. Chemical Structure
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 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 strengths and package configurations listed in Table 14. Table 14. OTEZLA Package Configurations Package configuration Tablet strength NDC number Configurations for 30 mg BID Dosage 28-day treatment initiation pack 55-tablet blister pack including tablets for titration and maintenance dosage: 4 tablets (10 mg each), 4 tablets (20 mg each), and 47 tablets (30 mg each) 55513-369-55 60-count bottle 30 mg 55513-137-60 Configurations for 20 mg BID Dosage 28-day treatment initiation pack 55-tablet blister pack including tablets for titration and maintenance dosage: 4 tablets (10 mg each) and 51 tablets (20 mg each) 55513-508-55 60-count bottle 20 mg 55513-497-60 OTEZLA XR is available as 75 mg round, biconvex, pink, film-coated extended-release tablets with "APR 75" printed in black on one side and a hole or indentation on either side of the tablet, which may or may not be visible. Tablets are supplied in the strengths and package configurations listed in Table 15. Table 15. OTEZLA XR Package Configurations Package configuration Tablet strength NDC number 28-day treatment initiation pack The 28-day treatment initiation pack provides the first 14 days of treatment with OTEZLA (titration schedule on Days 1–5 and maintenance dosage of 30 mg twice daily on Days 6–14), followed by a switch to OTEZLA XR 75 mg once daily for the subsequent 14 days. 41-tablet blister titration pack including tablets for titration and maintenance dosage: OTEZLA: 4 tablets (10 mg each), 4 tablets (20 mg each), and 19 tablets (30 mg each) and OTEZLA XR: 14 tablets (75 mg each) 55513-516-41 Bottles of 30 OTEZLA XR : 30 tablets (75 mg each) 55513-519-30 Storage and Handling Store OTEZLA tablets below 30°C (86°F). Store OTEZLA XR tablets between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55513-369-55 | 55513-369 | Amgen, Inc | 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (55513-369-55) / 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK | February 26, 2020 |
| 55513-485-96 | 55513-485 | Amgen, Inc | 5 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (55513-485-96) / 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-485-95) | February 26, 2020 |
| 55513-508-55 | 55513-508 | Amgen, Inc | 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-508-55) * 4 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-518-04) * 51 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-497-51) | April 27, 2024 |
| 55513-516-41 | 55513-516 | Amgen, Inc | 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (55513-516-41) / 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK * 4 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-523-04) * 19 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-521-19) * 14 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-522-14) * 4 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-517-04) | August 29, 2025 |
| 55513-996-95 | 55513-996 | Amgen, Inc | 3 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (55513-996-95) / 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-996-96) * 4 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-518-04) * 23 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55513-497-23) | April 27, 2024 |
| 55513-369 | 55513-369 | Amgen, Inc | — | February 26, 2020 |
| 55513-485 | 55513-485 | Amgen, Inc | — | February 26, 2020 |
| 55513-508 | 55513-508 | Amgen, Inc | — | April 25, 2024 |
| 55513-516 | 55513-516 | Amgen, Inc | — | August 29, 2025 |
| 55513-996 | 55513-996 | Amgen, Inc | — | April 25, 2024 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 10 sections on this page.