Apremilast (Otezla) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Behçet’s disease-related oral ulcers. Its purchase process must comply with strict medical norms and legal regulations.
How to Purchase Apremilast (Otezla)
Overseas Purchase
Patients may choose to consult and purchase Apremilast at hospital pharmacies or legitimate drugstores in countries or regions where the medication has been launched.
Since drug prices may be affected by factors such as regional differences and exchange rate fluctuations, patients need to make a budget and plan in advance before purchasing.
Purchase Through Medical Service Institutions
Patients may consult domestic overseas medical service institutions that cooperate with international pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies.
These institutions can usually provide legal import channels and offer professional consultation and guidance.
Precautions for Purchasing Apremilast (Otezla)
Use in Accordance with Medical Advice
Patients must strictly follow the doctor’s medication guidance and take the drug in accordance with the dosage and administration specified in the package insert.
To alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms associated with initial treatment, the medication should be taken according to a specific titration schedule: the dose is gradually increased from Day 1 to Day 5, and the recommended maintenance dose can only be taken starting from Day 6.
Understand Basic Drug Information
Apremilast is available in three strengths:
10 mg pink tablets,
20 mg brown tablets,
30 mg beige tablets.
Each tablet is engraved with the “APR” logo and the corresponding dose number.
Clarify Contraindications
This medication is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to apremilast or any excipients in the formulation.
Be Alert to Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection.
If a patient experiences severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, dose reduction or temporary discontinuation of the medication should be considered.
Pay Attention to Special Risks
Treatment is associated with an increased incidence of depression. Before using it in patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or behaviors, the benefits and risks of treatment should be carefully weighed.
At the same time, patients’ body weight should be monitored. If unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs, the weight loss should be evaluated and consideration should be given to discontinuing the medication.
Methods to Identify Genuine vs. Counterfeit Apremilast (Otezla)
Check Drug Packaging
The packaging of genuine Apremilast should be intact and undamaged, with clear labels containing complete drug information, batch number, expiration date, etc.
The tablets should be intact without cracks, discoloration, or other abnormalities.
Verify Drug Markings
Authentic Apremilast tablets should have clear “APR” logos and corresponding dose numbers, with legible and distinguishable characters.
Confirm Manufacturing Information
By checking the manufacturer information on the drug packaging, confirm whether the product is manufactured by Amgen Inc.
Any discrepancy with official information may be a sign of a counterfeit product.
