Can you drink alcohol while taking Otezla?
There is no evidence that it is unsafe to drink alcohol while taking Otezla. This is most likely because Otezla is not known to cause liver problems, unlike some other medications used to manage psoriasis.
However, there are other reasons why it can be beneficial to limit alcohol consumption if you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
- Heavy alcohol consumption is a common trigger for psoriasis. It may sometimes cause psoriasis to appear for the first time or induce a flare-up if you already have the condition.
- Psoriasis treatments can be more effective, meaning you may have fewer flare-ups.
- The risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (in women) and fatty liver disease is reduced.
- Drinking excessive alcohol can intensify the side effects of certain drugs used to control psoriasis.
- It can even be dangerous to combine alcohol with some psoriasis medications. For example, methotrexate, a drug approved to treat severe psoriasis, can cause liver damage if you drink alcohol while taking it.
Although Otezla is not known to cause liver damage when combined with alcohol, it can lead to other complications. The most common side effects of Otezla are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Respiratory tract infections
- Cold-like symptoms.
These side effects are often mild, but some symptoms—like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting—can sometimes be severe.
Depression is another possible side effect of Otezla. If you have a history of depression, let your doctor know before starting treatment with Otezla. Also, pay close attention to any mood changes, including emerging or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts.
If any of these symptoms develop, the dose of Otezla may need to be lowered or even stopped altogether. However, stopping (or even switching) treatments can sometimes cause symptoms to return or come back worse. It is important not to stop taking Otezla without talking to your doctor first.
Related questions
References
- Otezla (apremilast). FDA Package Insert. Revised 04/2024. https://www.pi.amgen.com/-/media/Project/Amgen/Repository/pi-amgen-com/Otezla/otezla_pi_english.pdf
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Psoriasis treatment: methotrexate. Undated. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/medications/methotrexate
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Psoriasis: causes. Undated. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/causes
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Healthy diet and other lifestyle changes that can improve psoriasis. Undated. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/insider/diet
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Psoriasis treatment: apremilast. Undated. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/medications/apremilast
Read next
How long does it take for Otezla to work?
Otezla (apremilast) is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children 6 years and older (and weighing at least 20 kg), as well as psoriatic arthritis and Behçet’s Disease in adults. Patients may start to feel an improvement within the first few weeks, but symptoms can further improve over 12 to 16 weeks. Continue reading
How to stop taking Otezla?
Otezla does not cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped, so it may be stopped suddenly, but there have been reports of people experiencing gastrointestinal complaints such as constipation, after they have stopped Otezla. This may be because Otezla tends to help bowels move much better, with some people reporting diarrhea or loose motions while on Otezla, and their stools become a lot harder once they have stopped Otezla. Other symptoms of their condition may also return. For this reason it may be better to reduce the dose of Otezla slowly over a week or two. Continue reading
What does Otezla do to the body?
In your body, Otezla blocks the action of the PDE4 enzyme to help control inflammatory symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Otezla Information for Consumers
- Otezla prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Otezla (detailed)
Related support groups
- Otezla (23 questions, 64 members)