Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
05:57
Platelet-Rich Plasma Lysate for Treatment of Eye Surface Diseases
Published on: August 2, 2022
4.8K
Possible Association Between Apremilast Therapy and Increased Tearing
Frederick T Fraunfelder1, Frederick W Fraunfelder2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 1, 2020
Summary
Apremilast, a medication for inflammatory conditions, may rarely cause increased tearing (epiphora). This side effect typically resolves after discontinuing the drug, as indicated by dechallenge and rechallenge data.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacovigilance
- Dermatology
Background:
- Apremilast is a widely used oral medication for inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Ocular side effects of apremilast are not well-documented, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential link between apremilast use and the occurrence of increased tearing.
- To assess the causality and characteristics of apremilast-induced epiphora.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational case series utilizing data from VigiBase and literature.
- Evaluation by the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects.
Main Results:
- Forty-five cases of possible apremilast-induced increased tearing were identified.
- Onset varied from days to months; resolution occurred within days to months after drug cessation.
- Positive dechallenge and rechallenge data supported a causal relationship.
Conclusions:
- Apremilast is possibly associated with rare instances of increased tearing.
- The findings suggest a need for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding this potential ocular side effect.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
866
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
866
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
1.6K
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
1.6K
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
1.6K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
1.6K
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
350
Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
350
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.0K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.0K