Otezla User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Hockey
• July 1, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have psoriasis and have been on Otezla for 7 months now. For me it has not worked. If I stop using any steroid creams for more than 5 days it comes back. I was told by the Otezla support nurse that if it did not work within 16 weeks it typically would not work. Side effects I had were nausea, headaches and weight loss. I never get headaches and while on this medication I got them pretty regularly. The nausea was tough but I found taking this with food helped. I really hoped that it would have worked as it seems to be a much safer option that the inject-able options."

• Hsam
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "Today is day 10 of my starter pack I have to say that I was very afraid to take this medication because of the reviews. There was only a few that were positive. But so far so good. Small headaches but I get them anyways. I think I’ve ran to the bathroom once. I always take medicine after eating. It’s has definitely helped more than hurt. If it changes then I will re review this. But so far I’m happy and I can tell a change in my psoriasis this early. Nothing has helped as much as Otezla the creams are for the birds. CBD Didn’t help. Enbrel didn’t help and it hurt more than helped. The only thing that is relatable to this treatment is tanning bed sessions at the local parlor when I don’t do because that will hurt more than help in the end. So I’m very pleased . Don’t knock it before you try it. Trust me it’s helped and again I’m 10 days in."

• Chuck
• January 29, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "My psoriasis healed quickly, however three weeks into the starter packs I developed what I can only describe is interior tremors. It's been 2 months with no medication I still feel like I'm shaking inside anytime that I sit still. It's hard to visually see but my wife can hold my arm and feel me shaking. I would not recommend this medication."

• GoSox
• August 7, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Rashes in crotch area for at least 5 years. Rash on chest for decades. Acne for 55 years. Scaly patches on arms, legs, back for 10-15 years. Pitted dry fingernails for 30 years. Dry eyes, dry mouth. Dupuytren’s Contracture for several- maybe 5-10 years. Lower back pain for over 40 years. Severed shoulder tendon. Both Achilles Tendons sore. In the past 40 years only have had 2 or 3 pain free days. I have read 4 pages of reviews. My heart goes out to you all. To us all. This is an unpredictable disease. Yesterday was day 4, 20mg + 20 mg and I had marked relief in hand and finger pain. Although swelling has not abated. I had a mild and short-lived headache, and mild but longer lived stomach pain. Today I awoke with more swelling in my fingers than ever, painful- but not more pain than ever. I took 20mg + 30 mg today. Swelling and pain both decreasing as the day wears on. Mild stomach pain - short lived. Stronger and longer headaches, but easily tolerable."

• Suz
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "My doctor gave me 2 starter packs so I could slowly work my way up to tolerance without side effects. After about two weeks on the starter dose I had noticeably clearer skin. I also had throbbing headaches, fatigue and severe diarrhea. After 2.5 months (still not taking full dose) the headaches are not a problem but acid reflux, diarrhea, fatigue and extreme (sometimes debilitating) nausea are issues. I love the clear skin but can not tolerate constantly feeling sick so yesterday I took Otezla for the last time."

• Jaunty...
• November 30, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have severe plaque psoriasis. I have tried coal tar shampoo, steroids, creams, lotions, injections to get rid of it. In less than 2 weeks I went from embarrassing plaque on my forehead, all over my scalp, behind my ears, hand, foot, chest and torso to the plaque being mostly gone, no more flaking skin, and the redness is starting to subside. I haven't felt this comfortable in my own skin in years. Yes some of the stomach issues aren't great but I'll take side effects that will go away once my body gets used to the medicine vs being embarrassed to go on dates."

• Ryannn
• November 4, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Otezla for 4 months. At first the side effects were severe and I was feeling sick everyday, but continue with the optimism that it would clear. Those side effects began to die down, but I started to feel more along the lines of depression and anxiety, feelings I had not previously had. All the while, in this 4 months, I have seen zero improvement on my skin, it is the same as if I had not been taken any medication at all. My Dr recommended staying on it for 2 more months to see if there are any results at all. But after having so much optimism when first starting, I have become disheartened and frustrated with both the side effects and the lack of results. I feel worse now than I did 4 months ago."

• Carolj
• April 25, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had severe psoriasis on my arms, legs, knees, backaround,my waist,my buttochs, inside my urinary tract and scalp. I work with middle school students and some would ask questions about the thick plaque on my body.Some were sweet, some fearful that they would catch it and some couldn't,have cared less. After taking the Otezla pills I saw rapid improvement within a few days. I also sparingly use endear spray, not often. The first two weeks I either vomited or had diahrrea after I took the Otezla pills. After two weeks I started taking the pill one hour after breakfast and one hour after dinner. No problems now .This pill has been a miracle pill for me. My entire body has healed up. My depression has gone and I feel smooth ."

• Pjano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Terrible side effects of diarrhea, loss of appetite and energy, depression, neck stiffness and back pain, increased psoriasis, and overall feeling punked out. This did not go away after a few weeks as predicted, but got worse until I had a blow out reaction. I also did not see much improvement in joint pain and swelling, and my psoriasis increased. Overall, I was disappointed with the medication!"

• 1 mo ...
• April 15, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was reluctant to try this but after 20+ years of fighting psoriasis I figured it was worth a try. I read all the reviews first, so I'm contributing to the database for others. I had some stomach discomfort for a few days, some brain fog, and a few nights of bad sleep. My skin started to clear by day 5 (not sure about nails yet) but I really struggled with the afternoon 2nd dose, so I'm sticking to just 1 tab in the AM and nothing else. That keeps my skin about 80% clear and I can take care of the rest via topical steroids. A month into this and I still feel a little 'high' after my AM tab but very happy with the results. Good luck."

• joe...
• September 21, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "Was on Enbrel and about 95% clear after over 40 years of itch... side effects were not bad,stinging on injection.. some bruising after 5 years...and needle aversion. I just started getting emotional everytime I was going to inject.. So I asked the doc for Otezla..all those slow mo commercials couldn't be lying could they? After 13 days of Otezla, the headache was constant and unpleasant.. do you know the sugar headache one gets after drinking too much red wine from the day prior? How about that headache every minute of the day? The nausea came on too.. an acid reflux I never experienced in my life.. nothing could get me to endure that every day. I wasn't vomiting but I was 99% uncomfortable. Stopped Otezla 13 days into the Titration pack.. Threw it in the garbage along with my 30 day bottle. Filed a formal complaint with the FDA gov site too. Was thinking about Cosyntex but I'm not sure after reading those reviews. These reviews for Otezla are dismal and accurate."

• Anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have psoriasis on my soles of feet only. Tried steroid cream to not much luck. Doc started on otezla but after 20 days the side effects are horrible. Missed work from headaches, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, and joint pain. Joint pain started just 3 days ago with starting at the shoulders then elbows, wrist in right arm now going to left arm. Eating Tums like tic taks candy."

• jrob
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis since my early 40s and was always able to maintain it and occasionally send it into remission using topical steroids (Clobetasol). My dermatologist strongly recommended Otezla to me and I was dumb enough to make the switch. It gave me wicked headaches and I swear more forgetful. After months of being on it, I watched my psoriasis progressively get worse, and worse, to the point there isn't a part of my body that doesn't show it now. 100% this is the result of being on Otezla as it is the only thing that changed in my treatment. Otezla was the worst decision I have ever made and by the volume of posts I'm now finding all over the internet, my experience is far from an anomaly. Stay away from Otezla."

• Otezl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 24, 2017

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Have been taking this for almost 2 years now. For me, it works great. Had some of the side effects initially - nausea, lack of appetite, headaches and loose stools. But all of those side effects are gone now. I have had almost NO PSA flares and my blood work is absolutely perfect. Everyone is different, but for me right now, and for the past 2 years, this drug has been fantastic."

• big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "Started Otezla for Psoriasis, and at first was convinced that finally after suffering with Psoriasis for over 50 years had discovered a cure. Well was I wrong. After 1 month of runny nose, and heartburn, and lower back pain I had sore throat and excessive mucus. Saw my PCP and she diagnosed me with upper respiratory infection and started to treat it with antibiotics for 10 days. After 3 days I had difficulty swallowing and felt worse. Re visited the PCP 2 more times and was not getting better. Out of desperation I discontinued the Otezla and after 2 days was much better, no more runny nose, no more heartburn and did not feel depressed by not feeling well. Unfortunately, within 4 days of stopping the Otezla my Psoriasis came back in places I never had it before, so don't know what's next. Prior to Otezla I had been on Enbrel for 20 years and it stopped being effective."

• Angel
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 30, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been taking Otezla since October 2018. Within a few weeks I have seen results, I no longer have patches anywhere on my body 100% gone. Some side affects I do have is tension headaches. Not every day but only once a week. This prescriptions says no need to take with meal but I have to eat something before I take it in the morning else I'll feel dizzy and jittery. Overall I'm so happy with the results. After dealing with psoriasis for so many years I finally can wear shorts n short sleeves shirts (:"

• Jeff
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Otezla for almost a year now for skin psoriasis. At first it started working and clearing my skin, then it started to come back in the spring of 2019 then when August came around all of a sudden all my Psoriasis is gone even the pustules are gone! On my hands shins and elbows my hands have normal color and softness again. I take one pill a day I was prescribed to take 2 a day but with the side effects like diarrhea at times and some minor headaches. I have had more stiffness lately but my skin is clear and I don't use the topical creams anymore. I see my Dermatologist in January and will go from there."

• Bette...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 18, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "Because of another medical condition I am unable to use the biologic drugs. I have been taking Otezla since March 2018. Within 2-3 months all the outbreak areas were clear. I need to use a topical on the hairlines of my scalp occasionally. I had already had digestive issues before taking Otezla and had a real issue at the end of last year. Stopping Otezla temporarily did not relieve the symptoms so I restarted it. The digestive issues are mostly gone now as I retired and lost a lot of stress. I also take a really good probiotic since my gut was an issue. I also use a liquid supplement for my joints and drink electrolyte enhanced water. The diarrhea caused dehydration and severe muscle pain so adding the electrolytes made a huge difference. Since I started I have lost 35 pounds. It started slow but seems to be picking up. I have plenty of weight left I can lose, believe me. Eating healthier helps with energy levels."

• Julia
• November 29, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "Side effects went away completely after a few weeks. My severe skin psoriasis of 30 years is 75% gone. It took 2-3 months to fully work. That 75% clearance is not perfect, but it means so much to me. The monster dandruff is greatly reduced. My scalp is no longer flaming red lizard skin. The plaques on my forehead and neck are now light pink patches. I no longer frantically itch all day. I look healthy! Otezla appears to interfere with the absorption of anti-depressant, or counteract it, but increasing the antidepressant dose a bit fixed the problem for me immediately. Take Otezla with crackers or a half a bagel, it helped calm the stomach. Also ask about the zero co-pay program, it took 5 minutes to register and I save $85 monthly."

• Spots
• June 3, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Started Otezla 4 months ago. I had had a strep throat that caused me to developed guttate psoriasis which I've never had before. That alongside my psoriatic arthritis and regular psoriasis. I was pretty much covered head-to-toe and miserable. After having six months of methotrexate I really didn't want to to be back on a med. The pain from it all got unbearable so I went in for an appointment and was recommended otezla because of my concerns with some of the stronger medicines. At first, it felt similar to methotrexate with the nausea and stomach issues, so I was used to that. However I am now almost 5 months in and at 40 years old I feel like my my memory is gone. I've never had any issues with my memory or fogginess. I have read that psoriatic arthritis can cause this, so who knows. All I know is that I can't take the nausea, the headaches, the GERD, and I believe severe memory issues. I am discontinuing it."

• Rache...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have severe psoriatic arthritis but I do not have the rash. I've been on this medicine just a week but notice improvement already. I am pretty nauseous all the time, and it seems like I may lose weight because of it... But, frankly, I need to lose 110lbs anyways so... Win win?"

• kologa
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was prescribed this drug after Methotrexate caused liver damage. I started it June 2018 mainly for my Psoriatic Arthritis. Within the first week I was able to ditch my cane and could walk on my own and pain was all but eliminated. That being said I did have fairly mild side effects for about 2 weeks. I was having bowel movements multiple times a day and nothing was solid for that 2 week period. I did lose quite a bit of my appetite for about a month or 2. I thankfully did not have any nausea or anything. Flair ups still caused issues however they were much more manageable. That being said it did nothing for my psoriasis at all which was a little disappointing. Towards the end of December 2018 the drug has become less effective. I have new joints showing symptoms of arthritis and am going to my specialist this coming Friday to discuss options. While it lasted it was a miracle drug. I got about 6-7 months of solid relief hence the 7 rating. Worth a try if your doctor recommends it."

• Kasta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I had a little bit of an upset stomach once and two nights where I didn't get a full night sleep. Otezla worked within days and I am 99% clear. After 30 years of psoriasis affecting almost every area of my life in some way, I am enjoying such relief."

• fhw
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2019

For Behcet's Disease "I took this medication for 18 days and was really hoping the side-effects would be minimal as there are very few good choices for Behcet's Disease (BD) and I do not want to take a biologic. Began with the starter pack. Diarrhea was the first side-effect but was managed with imodium. This was followed by increasing nausea, insomnia and complete loss of appetite. Then crying jags set in. The final straw for me was the excruciating headaches that were not responsive to any medication. I became unable to work or function on this medication and had to discontinue. You couldn't pay me to take another dose."

• CGK
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Just started taking Otezla on March 20th. I started out with the low dosage and I am now currently at 30mg twice a day. In 6 days, I have lost 4 pounds, mainly from the diarrhea and have had some headaches however I will keep going with this as I am waking up with no stiffness or pain from the Psoriatic Arthritis which is a huge bonus. The only thing I really need to watch is the insomnia. Last night was not a good night for me as I tossed and turned all night but that very well could be from the Prednisone I am also taking, but only for another week or so. I am hopeful Otezla will continue to work for me because I refuse to take Biologics that my doctor wanted to put me on."