Which groups are not suitable for taking Apremilast (Otelor) tablets to treat psoriasis?

Apremilast (Apremilast) is an oral phosphodiesterase4 (PDE4) inhibitor commonly used for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, not all patients are suitable for this drug, and some people need to be carefully evaluated before use or avoid taking it. First, pregnant and breastfeeding women should use apremilast with caution or avoid using it because of the lack of adequate safety study data. Medications may have potential effects on the fetus or infant. Patients planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should choose safer treatment options under the guidance of a doctor.

Secondly, patients with severe renal insufficiency or abnormal liver function are not suitable for casual use of apremilast. The drug is mainly metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. If liver and kidney function are impaired, the drug may accumulate in the body, thereby increasing the risk of adverse reactions, such as digestive discomfort, weight loss, or increased risk of infection. For patients with mild to moderate liver and kidney impairment, the dose can be adjusted under the guidance of a physician, but patients with severe functional impairment usually need to consider alternatives.

Additionally, it should be used with caution in patients with severe immunodeficiencies or active infections. Apremilast works by regulating immune-inflammatory pathways and may reduce the body's defense against pathogens. Before treatment, active infections, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, HIV, etc., should be ruled out, and symptoms of infection should be closely monitored during use to prevent the condition from worsening. Patients taking other immunosuppressive drugs also need to be evaluated for drug interactions and infection risks.

Finally, it is not suitable for patients who are allergic to apremilast or its excipients. Anaphylaxis may manifest as rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or severe anaphylactic shock. If this occurs, discontinue medication and seek medical attention immediately. In short, patients who are pregnant or lactating, have severe liver and kidney damage, have low immune function, or are allergic to drugs should use apremilast with caution, and all treatments should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor to ensure both efficacy and safety.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/