How common are infections on Otezla (apremilast)?
Otezla (apremilast) is not considered a broadly immunosuppressive drug. Infections can still occur, but serious infections are uncommon in the clinical experience reported for apremilast.
What kinds of infections are reported?
The infections seen with Otezla are generally typical upper-respiratory or other common community infections (for example, colds-type illnesses), rather than opportunistic infections seen with stronger immunosuppressants. The risk is still real, so clinicians advise patients to report signs of infection early.
What increases the risk?
The likelihood of infection is higher if you already have risk factors such as:
- Active infection at the time you start or restart Otezla
- Prior or current immunosuppressive therapy (depending on your overall regimen)
- Conditions that weaken immune function (for example, certain chronic illnesses)
- Poorly controlled comorbidities (such as uncontrolled diabetes)
Is the infection risk higher than with biologics?
Compared with many biologic therapies used for psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis, apremilast is generally associated with a lower risk profile for infection because it works differently and does not suppress immune function in the same way as anti-TNF or other biologics.
What should patients watch for?
Patients are usually told to seek medical advice promptly for symptoms such as fever, chills, worsening cough or shortness of breath, painful or spreading skin redness, burning with urination, or any infection that is not improving.
When should Otezla be stopped or delayed?
If you develop a clinically significant infection, clinicians may pause Otezla temporarily and treat the infection first, then reassess. The exact approach depends on the severity and the organism involved.
Where does this information come from?
For detailed safety information, including infection-related adverse events, the best reference is the prescribing information. If you share your condition (psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or Behçet’s disease) and whether you’re using any other immune-affecting medications, I can help pinpoint the most relevant safety details to your situation.
Sources:
I don’t have access to a specific prescribing-label dataset or DrugPatentWatch.com entry from the information provided here, so I can’t cite a verified infection-rate figure for Otezla in this response.