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Otezla vs. Cosentyx

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Otezla (apremilast) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they belong to different medication classes. Otezla is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor taken by mouth twice daily, while Cosentyx is an interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor injected under the skin once monthly. Otezla is also approved for treating mouth sores from Behçet’s disease, whereas Cosentyx is used for conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Otezla requires a gradual increase in dosage to minimize side effects like nausea and diarrhea, while Cosentyx is typically started with a series of weekly injections followed by monthly maintenance doses. Generic versions of Otezla are FDA-approved but not yet available, whereas Cosentyx is a biologic medication and does not have a generic version. Common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea and nausea, while Cosentyx may increase the risk for infections, including the common cold. Additionally, because Cosentyx can increase the risk of infections it is not recommended with live vaccines.

Otezla

(apremilast)

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Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

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Summary for Otezla

Prescription only

Otezla (apremilast) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It treats plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in people 6 years and older. The medication can also treat mouth sores from Behçet’s disease in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor to reduce inflammation. Immediate-release tablets called Otezla are taken twice daily. You start at a low dose, then it gets raised over a few days to a maintenance dose. Some people can switch to once-daily, extended-release tablets called Otezla XR. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

Indications for Otezla

Pros and Cons for Otezla

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Can take with or without food
  • Option to switch to once-daily extended-release tablets for some people

Cons

  • Dosing schedule can be confusing in the beginning
  • Common to have nausea or diarrhea when starting
  • Might not be a good option for people who've had depression or suicidal behavior

Common Side Effects for Otezla

Warnings for Otezla

  • Allergic reaction
  • Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
  • Depression
  • Possible weight loss
  • Drug interactions

Summary for Cosentyx

Prescription only

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that treats many inflammatory conditions. This includes plaque psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. It works as an interleukin 17 antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. Some people might need a few starter doses. But it's usually injected under the skin once a month. You can use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, the medication can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach.

Indications for Cosentyx

Pros and Cons for Cosentyx

Pros

  • Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)
  • Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections
  • Okay for children of certain ages to use (depends on the condition being treated and with the exception of nr-axSpA)
  • Few side effects

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection
  • Might raise the risk of infections
  • Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
  • Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy

Common Side Effects for Cosentyx

Warnings for Cosentyx

  • Risk of infection
  • Caution when getting vaccines
  • Eczema-like skin reaction
  • Allergic reaction
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Prices with our coupons for Otezla vs. Cosentyx

Price Card Drug Icon
Otezla60 tablets / 30mg
$3,353.53$7,098.42
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Price Card Drug Icon
Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml
$7,189.40$10,968.95
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