Would Missing Three Doses Of Otezla Taken For Psoriasis Lead To Adverse Consequences?

Posted on Mon, 11 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 Answered on

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : I am taking otezla for psoriasis. I only have one 30mg pill left for tonight. my refill will not be here until Wednesday. is it going to be a problem if I miss 3 doses?

Answered by Dr. Malik (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is not recommended to stop otezla...

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Otezla (apremilast) is used to control psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4 which contributes inflammatory body reaction in psoriasis. It has half life of 9 hours, which means 9 hours after the last dose the medicine will be below the therapeutic dose in your blood. Stopping the medicine (or missing the 3 doses) may cause flare-up of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, it is not recommended to stop otezla without talking to your doctor. Please, talk to your doctor or visit pharmacy to refill your prescription.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T