Stelara vs Otezla
A side-by-side look at two autoimmune medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Stelara | US Otezla | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | ustekinumab | apremilast |
| Drug class | IL-12/IL-23 Inhibitor (Biologic) | PDE4 Inhibitor |
| Treats | Psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis | Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Behçet's disease |
| Category | Autoimmune | Autoimmune |
| Manufacturer | Janssen | Amgen |
| Year approved | 2009 | 2014 |
| FDA warning | Moderate warnings | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $130M | $110M |
| Common side effects | Serious infections, Headache, Fatigue, Injection site reactions | Diarrhea, Nausea, Headache, Weight loss |
Frequently asked questions
Is Stelara or Otezla better?
Neither is universally "better." Stelara (ustekinumab) and Otezla (apremilast) are both used for autoimmune, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Stelara and Otezla?
Stelara is a IL-12/IL-23 Inhibitor (Biologic) made by Janssen, while Otezla is a PDE4 Inhibitor made by Amgen. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Stelara has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.