Publication:

Efficacy of apremilast in psoriasis: a cross sectional study

Background This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of apremilast in patients with psoriasis.

Methods A total of 20 patients clinically diagnosed with different forms of psoriasis were prescribed apremilast 30 mg twice a day. A psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scoring was done every 4 weeks with a final score taken at the end of 12 weeks.

Results Of the 20 (eight female and 12 male) patients prescribed apremilast 30 mg, 8 patients achieved 75% and more PASI reduction, 10 patients achieved 50% and more PASI reduction at the end of 12 weeks. One patient did not show any significant PASI reduction, while another patient dropped out from the study after 3 weeks of apremilast due to intolerable vomiting and diarrhoea.

Conclusions Apremilast, a relatively safe drug, has no effect on the haematological, renal, hepatic systems as well as no major immunological effects like other drugs used in the treatment of psoriasis, making monitoring of laboratory parameters inconsequential. It is also well tolerated with very few side effects in comparison, making it a welcome drug in the long run.