Apremilast for Plaque Psoriasis User Reviews (Page 2)

• eerid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "I was ok with pushing through the vomiting, nausea, fatigue & headaches. Then all of a sudden the muscles in my legs cramped & seized up. Unrelenting, excruciating pain for 3 days. Went to a sports medicine clinic. They gave me a shot and muscle relaxers. Things started to improve. Well, yesterday, Christmas Eve, my muscles in my legs, then in my arms & hands started up. I started getting pustular psoriasis in places I never had it. Horrible. Cannot sleep. I purposefully missed a dose of this stuff to see what would happen and after about 12 hrs it faded. Needless to say, it ruined my Christmas and I’m stopping this drug."

• Hockey
• July 1, 2015

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Barb
• December 27, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I had psoriasis when I was a child that cleared. When I hit about 40 it came back with a vengence...hands, arms, knees, scalp , face, back, etc. I tried everything except biologics that had such horrible side effects. One day I saw Otezla on tv. I wanted to try it so much but my insurance didn't cover it. Then I changed my insurance and it was covered! I got the starter pack and began taking the medicine. Within one week it started working! I was so happy...no more scaling and flaking, cracking and bleeding,or painful, itching scalp. I had some pretty bad nausea and more frequent bowel movements but it was worth it. Now into week 5 the nausea has subsided. Hang in there with the side effects and they will go away and oh what reward!"

• Barbie
• October 3, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "After reading endless negativity reviews, I feel almost guilty to say how big a fan I am of Otezla. I developed mild to severe psoriasis around 33. Tried all the ointments, cortisone injections, laser and light treatment options with light/temporary relief. Started Otezla 1/1/17, had immediate positive results. Little nausea at first along with slight headache & bowel issues, all side effects subsided within a couple of weeks. Haven't lost any weight. Not depressed or sad. In fact, quite the opposite - due to clear skin/confidence I'm happier than I've been in years. I'm 99% clear! Never thought I'd be able to wear little shorts & be at the beach with clear skin again. Big fan & feel blessed. Hope this helped if you're on the fence"

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

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Jaunty...
• November 30, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Chuck
• January 29, 2020

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Carolj
• April 25, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "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 ."

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

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Ryannn
• November 4, 2015

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• 1 mo ...
• April 15, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "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

Otezla (apremilast) "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

Otezla (apremilast) "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

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

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

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• EJV
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 5, 2024

Otezla (apremilast) "Due to issues with biologics, I have been using Otezla since it first came out for plaque psoriasis. I also have psoriatic arthritis. The psoriasis is 99.9% clear and only occasionally do I have minor issues with the arthritis. Additionally, I was significantly overweight, and am now considered a normal weight. I am very pleased with the results."

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

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

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

Otezla (apremilast) "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

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Julia
• November 29, 2015

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

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

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Wiart...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "After failing enbrel and humira, my doc moved me to a different class. Otezla has been a great for my severe psoriasis on the palms of my hands and psoriatic arthritis. I went from 100% coverage with extremely painful lesions, unable to use my hands to 100% clearance, in three weeks. My rheumatologist and I both are amazed with the results. I will put up with the side effects as the massive improvement makes it all worth it. Side effects I've had : headaches /migraines, indigestion, stomach pain, loose stools and nausea. All but headaches have started to subside as of my 3rd week in! Very, very happy here!!"

• Amy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2018

Otezla (apremilast) "I saw nearly 40% clearance within a week of taking Otezla. I went from looking like a burn victim to having clear beautiful skin that wasn't cracking and bleeding. It's amazing. and I have never had a better experience. Humira and Methotrexate did not help me at all, no movement, this is the first drug to change my entire body, or make any change at all. So thankful."

• Thomas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "This worked very well but I had bad nausea and diarrhea so 2 months in almost ALL my psoriasis was gone. So I stopped taking it for a week, the side effects were gone, BUT the psoriasis just returned, and worse. If you can handle feeling like you want to throw up all the time and soil yourself at any given time, try it. What they don't tell you in the ads is, yeah it works, but you'll probably have to take this med for the rest of your life. If you stop, the psoriasis will return even worse. Anyway, this has been my experience."

• Lesser...
• September 12, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I've been on Otezla a little over a year now and I think I will be stopping tomorrow after I visit my dermatologist. The Pros, much of my psoriasis cleared within weeks, especially on my neck and scalp. When doing UV treatments with the Otezla I was near 95% clear. I had all the side effects like tension headaches, stomach issues, and weight loss. However, I would take that and clearer skin over my psoriasis. I've had psoriasis for 24 years now and I have tried everything from steroid creams, UV, and biologic injections. I thought Otezla was the best! However, over the last month I have been experiencing anxiety and depression. I get stressed out so easily and having panic attacks has never been me. I cannot function normally."