Overview
Evidence-based recommendations on apremilast (Otezla) for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults.
Since this guidance was published an equality consideration has been raised about the PASI instrument. When using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), healthcare professionals should take into account skin colour and how this could affect the PASI score, and make the clinical adjustments they consider appropriate.
Last reviewed: 23 November 2016
This guidance replaces NICE technology appraisal guidance on apremilast for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (TA368).
Next review: This guidance will be reviewed if there is new evidence that is likely to change the recommendations.
Commercial arrangement
There is a simple discount patient access scheme for apremilast. Contact HTA_UKandI@celgene.com for details.
Guidance development process
How we develop NICE technology appraisal guidance
Your responsibility
The recommendations in this guidance represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, health professionals are expected to take this guidance fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients. The application of the recommendations in this guidance is at the discretion of health professionals and their individual patients and do not override the responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or their carer or guardian.
All problems (adverse events) related to a medicine or medical device used for treatment or in a procedure should be reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency using the Yellow Card Scheme.
Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to provide the funding required to enable the guidance to be applied when individual health professionals and their patients wish to use it, in accordance with the NHS Constitution. They should do so in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to reduce health inequalities.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.