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Insight Horizon Media

Does apremilast cause depression?

Author

Sarah Cherry

Published Mar 16, 2026

Does apremilast cause depression?

apremilast is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric symptoms, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behaviours. suicidal thoughts and behaviour, including completed suicide, have been reported in patients with or without a history of depression.

Can Otezla cause depression?

Although not common, depressed mood can occur in some people who take Otezla. Less than 2% of people experience this side effect. And less than 1% of people experience serious or more severe depression. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors occur in less than 1% of people taking Otezla.

Does depression from Otezla go away?

It depends. For most people, the more common side effects* of Otezla usually go away after your body gets used to the medication. This typically happens within about 2 weeks after starting the drug.

Can apremilast cause anxiety?

Among PsA patients, users of apremilast had similar rates of depression and anxiety + depression compared with users of other systemic non-corticosteroid PsA drugs; however, the rate of anxiety was slightly higher.

How common is depression with Otezla?

Otezla may lower a person’s mood, cause depression, and increase suicidal thoughts. Research has shown approximately 1% of people treated with Otezla for psoriatic arthritis reported depression or a depressed mood compared with 0.8% of those treated with an inactive treatment.

Is apremilast a biologic?

Otezla (apremilast) is a small molecule phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor but is not classified as a biologic. It is an oral tablet used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease.

Does Otezla weaken the immune system?

Otezla (apremilast) inhibits an enzyme within your immune system that can affect certain cells and contribute to inflammation in the body.

How long before Otezla is out of your system?

The plasma clearance of apremilast is about 10 L/hr in healthy subjects, with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 6-9 hours.

How safe is Otezla?

Long-term studies, ranging from 3 to 5 years, have shown that Otezla is safe for prolonged use. Other people may not see any (or enough) improvement while they are on Otezla. They may also experience unwanted or severe side effects, and they may want to stop taking the drug or switch to a different treatment.

Does Otezla affect blood pressure?

Symptoms include diminished skin turgor (loss of elasticity of the skin), dry mucous membranes, tachycardia (fast heart rate), and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up – symptoms include feel light headed and/or dizziness).

What is the safest drug for psoriasis?

Using Biologics with Other Psoriasis Treatments Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira and Remicade are shown to be safe and effective when taken with methotrexate. Talk to your health care provider about whether using any other treatments with a biologic is right for you.

Is apremilast an immunosuppressant?

Apremilast, an oral immunosuppressant that inhibits phosphodiesterase type 4, has been authorised in the European Union for use in these settings.

What is the medical use of apremilast?

Medical use. Apremilast was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2014 for treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Apremilast is taken by mouth.

Can apremilast cause weight loss?

you should know that apremilast can cause weight loss. Your weight should be checked regularly by your doctor and you should also check your weight on a regular basis during treatment with apremilast. If you notice you are losing weight, call your doctor.

Can apremilast be taken for psoriatic arthritis?

Apremilast controls psoriatic arthritis but does not cure it. Continue to take apremilast even if you feel well. Do not stop taking apremilast without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

Is apremilast a safe and effective treatment modality for discoid lupus?

This is the first open label study to use apremilast as a treatment modality for discoid lupus. Our observations indicate that apremilast may constitute a safe and effective therapeutic option for DLE. Treatment with Otezla is associated with an increase in adverse reactions of depression.