Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor: A novel treatment option for nurse practitioners treating patients with psoriatic disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Apremilast is an oral nonbiologic medication approved for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis and for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This article summarizes the efficacy and safety of apremilast and provides characterization of the novel medication with clinical perspectives to successfully incorporate this therapy into practice for appropriate patients. DATA SOURCES: A review and synthesis of the results from the ESTEEM (Efficacy and Safety Trial Evaluating the Effects of Apremilast in Psoriasis) phase 3 clinical studies evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of apremilast for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the ESTEEM clinical trial program demonstrate that apremilast significantly reduces the severity of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, has an acceptable safety profile, and is generally well tolerated. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The novel mechanism of action, convenience of oral administration, and acceptable side effect profile make this medication an attractive choice for clinicians treating patients with plaque psoriasis.