The correct way to take Apremilast tablets/Apremilast is revealed, no longer confused when taking medicine!

Apremilast is an oral PDE4 inhibitor suitable for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The correct way of taking it is crucial to achieve the therapeutic effect and control the side effects.

The standard maintenance dose of apremilast is 30 mg twice daily approximately 12 hours apart. In order to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, especially in the early stages of medication, the official recommendation is to adopt a 5-day incremental dosage starting plan: 10 mg in the morning on the first day, 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening on the second day, 10 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening on the third day, 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening on the fourth day, and 20 mg in the morning and 30 mg in the evening on the fifth day. From the 6th day, it will enter the maintenance phase, and 30 mg will be taken in the morning and evening. This stepped dosage design helps the patient's digestive system gradually adapt and reduces early side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. Apremilast tablets can be taken before or after meals and are not affected by food, so the taking time can be flexibly arranged as long as it remains regular.

It should be noted that for patients with severe liver dysfunction, the dose should be reduced to 30 mg once a day to reduce the risk of drug accumulation in the body. If the patient accidentally misses a dose, he should take it as soon as possible, but if it is close to the next dose time, he should skip it and should not take double the dose. Apremilast does not require blood concentration monitoring, but during long-term use, attention should be paid to changes in weight and mental state. Some patients may experience mild weight loss or mood swings and should report to their doctor in time. Medicines should be stored away from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Patients are particularly reminded that apremilast is a drug that requires long-term continuous use, and it may take weeks or even months to establish its efficacy. Do not stop the drug without authorization due to no obvious improvement in the early stage or the occurrence of side effects.

In summary, standardized medication methods and patient cooperation with treatment are the keys to successful treatment with apremilast.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB05676