Apremilast: A new hope in psoriasis

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who are afflicted due to chronicity of the disease and frequent remissions and relapse. There is a vast array of drugs for the treatment. Methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids are the most commonly used conventional systemic drugs. Newer studies provide insight into their more effective and safer use and as combination therapy with biologics. Apremilast is an orally administered, small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). Apremilast 30 mg twice daily reduced the severity of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis and guttate psoriasis. Objective: To evaluate efficacy, tolerability and adverse effects of apremilast. Materials and Methods: A clinical trail was conducted in department of Skin & VD of Saraswathi institute of medical college on 80 patients. Apremilast was started after initial titration and followed for 8 weeks. Results: Out of 80 patients 73 patients completed the study of which 69% patients have responded well and 14% patient did not show satisfactory result. No major side effect encountered during the study. Conclusion: Apremilast was effective in plaque psoriasis, palmo plantar psoriasis and guttate psoriasis and is well tolerated with mild adverse effects. Also the regular lab investigations as required in others systemic treatment modalities are avoided.