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Otezla belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, which are commonly used to treat psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and mouth sores in people with Behcet's disease.1. What does Otezla do?
Otezla (also known as Apremilast) is commonly used to treat certain types of arthritis (psoriatic arthritis) by reducing pain and swelling and helping to improve flexibility in affected joints. affect.Otezla is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It can help reduce the redness, thickening and scaling of the skin in this condition. Otezla is also used to treat mouth sores in people with Behcet's disease. It helps relieve pain and aids in the healing of mouth sores.
2. Dosage and how to use Otezla
Otezla is taken by mouth (with or without food) as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times daily. To ensure the effectiveness of the treatment, the patient should strictly follow the doctor's instructions on how to take the medicine. Dosage is based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of unwanted side effects, your doctor may direct you to start with Otezla at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over time. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Patients should take Otezla regularly, exactly as prescribed to get the drug to maximize its use. To make it easier to remember, take your medicine at the same time every day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or tends to get worse.
3. Undesirable effects
Like many other medicines, Otezla can also bring some side effects such as: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache or weight loss. Tell your doctor if you notice any serious side effects such as severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
In rare cases, Otezla users may experience signs of depression, thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or other mental problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family notice any sudden or unusual changes in mood, thoughts or behaviour.
Allergies to Otezla are also rare. However, if you see signs of a serious allergic reaction such as: swelling and itching in the face, tongue, throat, dizziness, severe facial discolouration, rash, difficulty breathing, etc., seek medical help. as soon as possible.
4. Be careful when using Otezla
Before taking Otezla, the patient should note the following:
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Otezla or have any other allergic condition, immediately inform your doctor; Talk to your doctor about your medical history before taking any medication, especially kidney disease, mental or mood disorders (such as depression). If possible, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including over-the-counter, prescription and herbal medicines). For pregnant women, Otezla should only be used when absolutely necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. It is not known whether Otezla passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking the drug and breast-feeding. Some medicines can affect how Apremilast is removed from your body, which could affect how it works. For example, some drugs used to treat seizures (such as Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Primidone), Rifamycins (such as Rifampin, Rifabutin)...
5. Some notes when using Otezla
If you overdose on Otezla and see symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, take the patient to the emergency room immediately. Because Otezla can cause weight loss, patients should regularly check their weight while taking the drug. Tell your doctor right away about any signs of unusual weight loss.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it as usual. Do not take a double dose (compensate) to catch up. Store the medicine at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children and pets.
The above is important information about the drug Otezla, patients should pay attention and carefully consult with doctors and pharmacists before using the drug to promote the best effect in treatment.
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Reference source: Webmd.com