Apremilast is used to treat psoriatic arthritis (inflammation of the joints accompanied by a skin disease called psoriasis) and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales) in those who are intolerant to other types of treatment or who have failed previous therapy.
This medicine is also used to treat mouth sores associated with Behcet's disease (a rare disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body).
Take Apremilast exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Your doctor will advise you on how you will start with the treatment.
Apremilast must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Apremilast if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- severe kidney disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Apremilast to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy test must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of weight loss and for signs and symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes may also be needed.
Apremilast may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, back pain, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, cough, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in behaviour or mood (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- severe diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- rifampicin (medicine used to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Apremilast.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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