Key takeaways
Taltz (ixekizumab) and Otezla (apremilast) are both medications used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, they belong to different medication classes and have some important differences. Taltz (ixekizumab) is an interleukin antagonist given as a subcutaneous injection, while Otezla (apremilast) is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor taken orally. Taltz is also approved for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, whereas Otezla is used for mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. Taltz is administered every 4 weeks after initial doses, while Otezla is taken by mouth twice daily after initial doses. Taltz does not have a generic version available, whereas generic versions of Otezla have been FDA-approved but are not yet on the market. Common side effects of Taltz include upper respiratory infections and injection-site reactions, while Otezla may cause diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Some medications can keep Otezla from working as well. Be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.
