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    Journal of Pharmacology and PharmacotherapeuticsNOW IN
    Review

    An In-depth Review of the Off-label Use of Apremilast in Dermatology

    Aditya Kumar Bubna1★, Vinayak Viplav1★ Corresponding author

    1. 1Department of Dermatology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India.

    CORRESPONDENCE

    Aditya Kumar Bubna

    Department of Dermatology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India

    zimbabwa21@gmail.com

    Received: 29-05-2024; Revised: 07-09-2024; Accepted: 19-09-2024.

    Volume 16, Issue 2 · pp. 143–163 · PUBLISHED 2025 · DOI: 10.1177/0976500X241303186

    View on J Pharmacol. Pharmacother. original site ↗

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Apremilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor approved by the US-Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) for the management of adult patients with plaque psoriasis (who are candidates for phototherapy/systemic therapy), moderate-to-severely active psoriatic arthritis and Behcet’s disease associated with oral ulcers. Objectives: This review aims to summarize the current evidence for the off-label use of apremilast in various dermatological disorders. Methodology: A comprehensive search of relevant literature was conducted using databases like PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase. Studies investigating the use of apremilast for dermatological conditions beyond its approved indications were included. Results: The use of apremilast has been outlined in a number of reports for inflammatory dermatoses. Randomized controlled trials showed promise for atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa and vitiligo. Open-label trials suggested potential benefit in cutaneous sarcoidosis, discoid lupus erythematosus, rosacea and lichen planus. Conclusion: Apremilast can be considered a valid therapeutic option for a range of inflammatory dermatological conditions beyond its approved uses. Further, owing to lack of immunosuppression, apremilast delineates an added advantage when compared to the usual immunosuppressive drugs used by dermatologists. However, stronger evidence from well-designed clinical trials is needed to establish its role in these aforementioned disorders.

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      Bubna, A. K., & Viplav, V. (2025). An In-depth Review of the Off-label Use of Apremilast in Dermatology. Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 16(2), 143–163. https://doi.org/10.1177/0976500X241303186