Apremilast in Patients With Moderate to Severe Palmoplantar Pustulosis (PPP) (APLANTUS)

Apremilast was taken orally twice daily (except Day 1). Patients received tablets in blister/bottles sufficient for one month. To mitigate potential gastrointestinal side effects (primarily mild-to-moderate nausea and diarrhoea), dose titration was implemented in this study in accordance with the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). A titration pack included tablets of 10, 20 and 30 mg for a period of one month. During the first 5 days, the dosage was up-titrated. The initial dose on day 1 was 10 mg in the morning; this was increased to 10 mg in the morning and evening on day 2. The evening dose was further increased by 10 mg (to 20 mg) on day 3. On day 4, the morning dose was increased to 20 mg, so that 20 mg was taken twice daily, and on day 5 the evening dose was increased to 30 mg. From Day 6 onwards, patients received the 30 mg dose twice a day. Subsequent packs included only tablets of 30 mg strength.