Frequently asked questions and solutions for patients during the clinical use of Apremilast (Otelor)

During the clinical use of Apremilast (Apremilast), one of the most common concerns of patients is the onset time of the drug. Most patients will worry that the effect will not be obvious in the early stages of medication. In fact, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to see significant symptom improvement with apremilast, and some patients may take longer. Doctors usually recommend taking medications patiently and conducting regular follow-up visits to evaluate the efficacy in the early stages, as well as combining lifestyle management such as skin care and reducing inflammatory factors to optimize the treatment effect.

Side effects are also one of the common questions patients have. Common adverse reactions of apremilast include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, slight weight loss, etc. Most of them will resolve spontaneously after continued use of the drug. For patients with persistent or obvious discomfort, doctors can adjust the dose or take the drug in divided doses or with meals to improve tolerance. At the same time, patients should record adverse reactions in a timely manner and provide feedback to the doctor so that they can be dealt with scientifically and avoid stopping the medication on their own to affect the efficacy.

Many patients are concerned about drug interactions with other commonly used drugs. Apremilast is metabolized primarily through the hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme pathway, so concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as some antiepileptic drugs or rifampicin) may reduce efficacy. Clinically, it is recommended that patients inform their doctors about all the medications they are taking before using apremilast. Doctors can adjust the dosage or choose alternative medications according to the situation to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Finally, patients often ask about the safety and lifestyle considerations of long-term medication use. Clinical practice shows that apremilast is suitable for long-term maintenance treatment, but regular follow-up is required to monitor weight, mood changes, and liver and kidney function. Patients should maintain a healthy diet, exercise moderately, and avoid increasing or decreasing the dosage of medication on their own. At the same time, doctors will evaluate whether to continue using or adjust the plan based on the condition and efficacy to ensure long-term safety and efficacy.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-promacta-eltrombopag-first