NCT07432386

Methotrexate Versus Apremilast for Pruritus in Psoriasis

Comparison of Efficacy of Methotrexate Versus Apremilast in the Treatment of Pruritus in Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Zarmeen Khawar · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of Methotrexate versus Apremilast in reducing pruritus and improving quality of life in patients with psoriasis. Eighty patients aged 20 to 60 years with psoriasis involving more than 8% body surface area and associated pruritus will be enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups. Group A will receive oral Apremilast titrated to 30 mg twice daily, while Group B will receive oral Methotrexate 10 mg once weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score at 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes include change in numerical rating scale for pruritus and assessment of adverse effects. The study will be conducted at Pakistan Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi.

Conditions

• Psoriasis
• Pruritus

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Apremilast	Oral Apremilast titrated to 30 mg twice daily for 8 weeks.
DRUG	Methotrexate	Oral Methotrexate 10 mg once weekly for 8 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-20
• Primary completion: 2026-07-20
• Completion: 2026-07-20
• First posted: 2026-02-25
• Last updated: 2026-02-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan