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Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 8 million people in the United States. It can range in severity from mild, localized patches to widespread, severe plaques covering a person's entire body. Common treatments for plaque psoriasis include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, methotrexate, and biologic agents. However, these treatments do not always provide long-term relief and can have unwanted side effects.

Otezla (apremilast) is a newer treatment option for people with plaque psoriasis. It is an oral medication that works by decreasing inflammation in the body. In clinical trials, Otezla was shown to be at least as effective as some of the other treatments, but with fewer side effects. It is also easy to take, with only two tablets per day, and does not require any laboratory monitoring.

In one clinical trial, Otezla was found to help improve the appearance of plaque psoriasis for more than 60% of participants. After 12 weeks of treatment, those taking Otezla saw an average 75% improvement in the affected area. After 24 weeks, the improvement rate was even higher, averaging 85%.

Another benefit of Otezla is its safety profile. In clinical trials, the most common side effects were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infections, and headache. These side effects were usually mild and short-lived. In addition, Otezla does not suppress the immune system like some other treatment options.

Overall, Otezla appears to be a safe and effective treatment for plaque psoriasis. It can help improve the appearance of the affected area, with fewer side effects than other treatments. It is an attractive alternative for people who want to manage their condition without using potent medications or undergoing regular laboratory monitoring.