Everything you want to know about Apremilast pills!

You may have been prescribed a medicine called `Apremilast` by a doctor. Or you may have heard about this medicine somewhere. So, today we will talk about this medicine called `Apremilast` in a simple way, in a way that you can understand. This is like talking to your friend, there is nothing to be afraid of.

What is Apremilast?

Simply put, Apremilast is an anti-inflammatory drug . It helps reduce swelling and redness in your body.

Now let's see what diseases this medicine is mainly used for:

• Arthritis: If your joints are painful and swollen, you may have arthritis. Apremilast can help relieve this condition.
• Psoriasis: Some people have red, scaly patches on their skin, right? This medicine is also used for psoriasis.
• Mouth ulcers caused by Behcet syndrome: This is a somewhat complex disease. In this, the blood vessels swell. This can cause mouth ulcers. Apremilast is also used for those mouth ulcers.

This medicine may also be used by doctors for other illnesses, so if you have any questions, don't forget to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: A popular brand name for this medication is `Otezla`.

What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?

Before you start using Apremilast, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor. If you don't tell them, you could have problems.

• Dehydration: If you have a condition where your body doesn't have enough water, that is, you are dehydrated.
• Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related disease.
• Mental illness: If you have had a mental illness such as depression in the past, or if you currently have one.
• Allergic reactions: If you have an allergy, that is, if you have an allergy to Apremilast, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: If you are already pregnant or are hoping to have a baby.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding a baby.

Why do you have to say these things?

Imagine that you have a kidney problem. Then this medicine may not be excreted from your body properly. Then the effect of the medicine may increase and side effects may occur. Also, if you had mental problems before, this medicine may change those conditions a little. That is why it is very important to tell the doctor about all this.

How do you use this medicine correctly?

Okay, now let's see how to take this medicine.

• This is an oral tablet . It should be taken with a glass of water.
• Use the medicine exactly as the doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not change it.
• Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
• You can take this before or after meals. However, if you feel like you have an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food.
• Take your medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals . Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.

What if I give it to children?

Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children, so talk to your doctor about it.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. This is very important.

Is this medicine only good for you?

Yes, remember this. The doctor has prescribed this medicine for you only. Do not give it to your friends or family members. They may have other health problems.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Oh, sometimes we miss our medicine, don't we? If that happens, don't worry.

• Make up the missed time as soon as you remember.
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

Are there any other medications that may interact with this medicine?

Yes, there are some medications that can cause problems when taken with Apremilast. So if you are taking any other medications, you should tell your doctor about them.

Some of the main types of medications that can cause problems are:

• Some medications used for epilepsy: For example, medications like `carbamazepine`, `phenobarbital`, and `phenytoin`.
• Rifampin: This is a medicine commonly given for tuberculosis.

This list may not include all medications. So tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and herbal supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. These can also interact with this medication.

What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?

There are a few things you need to be careful about when taking Apremilast.

• If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen , tell your doctor.
• Pay attention to your mental health: If you or your family notice a change in your mental state, such as new onset of depression, suicidal thoughts, or sudden anxiety, restlessness, irritability, irritability, or insomnia, talk to your doctor immediately. This is very important.
• Be careful of dehydration: If you have severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, tell your doctor. This is because excessive fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous if you take this medicine.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, Apremilast can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you see these , you should tell your doctor as soon as possible.

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Worsening of mental state, feelings of depression.

Side effects that are common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist:

These are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor.

• Diarrhea
• Headache - (Sorry, this was entered in Georgian by mistake. Correct Sinhala word: Headache )
• Loss of appetite with weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor about it. You can also report side effects to the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration). (In Sri Lanka, you can report them through your doctor or to the Drug Regulatory Authority of the Ministry of Health.)

How do you keep this medicine safe?

Medicine is something that needs to be handled with care.

• Keep it out of the reach of children.
• Store below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.

The most important thing for you to keep in mind

Okay, let's remind you again of the most important things you need to remember from what we've just talked about.

Apremilast is a medicine that should only be used on the advice of a doctor. If you have any questions or doubts, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They are there to help you. Never use medicine on a whim. Your health is very important to you!

This information sheet is only a summary. It may not contain all the details. So if you have any further questions about this medicine, be sure to talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.

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