Apremilast for Plaque Psoriasis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Alex
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "Took Otezla for 3 months with no improvement. However the bone and joint pain became so intense while taking Otezla I had to stop taking it. Feel as if the drug may have even worsened joint pain and inflammation. Not the drug for me and sorry I even started the therapy."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I've been on otezla for 3 weeks now and all I can say it that this drug really works. I've been suffering from psoriasis for 6 years now. It mostly affected my scalp but also it started to spread to the rest of my body. After just 3 weeks the patches on my skin began to fade. My scalp is still scaly and itchy but I can already see the improvement in that area too. As for side effects, I had some slight headaches and stomach aches at the beginning and more frequent bowel movements but it didn't really affect my daily life whatsoever. I would really recommend this drug to anyone whose life has been affected by plaque psoriasis."

• HRich...
• March 3, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "I'm on Day 10 with this medication and am already seeing significant improvements in my psoriasis! My doctor told me it may take a month or more to see any change so this is a pleasant surprise. I had read about the side effects and was expecting the first while to be rough but man! I can't keep anything down and the diarrhea is unreal! I've found Aspirin helps the headaches, so those aren't so bad. I've lost 8 pounds since I started Otezla which is a bonus but I wouldn't say it's the best diet plan I've ever been on... I'm hoping the side effects subside as my body gets used to the medication and I'm very hopeful to see more improvements in my psoriasis!"

• BiggT...
• November 4, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "My psoriasis started about 14 years ago and only gotten worse. Ten days ago I started Otezla, So far it has worked great. My scalp has already cleared up for the most part and all the spots on my legs and body are looking very good! No side affects as of yet."

• JM9094
• November 22, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I have been on Otezla since February. My insurance would not cover it so I am part of the company's bridge program. My psoriasis is completely gone--I haven't had normal, clear skin since I was a baby and I am 36. I finally can wear shorts and tank tops without being self-conscious that my scaly, red skin is ugly and people are looking at it. When I first started the medication I did have some bad headaches and nausea. It went away after a few weeks, if you just stick with it. I recently went away and forgot to bring the Otezla with me so I didn't take it for about 5 days, and now that I am back on it, I have headaches and nausea again but I anticipate that they will subside like they did before. I haven't had any other side effects."

• 89tur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "Been taking Otezla for a year now. Was given a starter pack from my dermatologist, then received the bridge packs from Otezla, every 2 weeks. Blue Cross agreed to pay with 0 deductible on my part. No problems taking this twice daily, with no side effects. Was concerned after reading some of these reviews, but 1 year later I am 90% clear. My topical use is much lower in the summer, but I do apply more in the dry winter. Been very good for me, and I like that it does not have the “black flag” warnings like the injections."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "I'm 34. I've had psoriasis for about 10 years now. I have had enough. I started taking methotrexate for a month along with some topical solutions for scalp and spots on my forehead. That worked great, but it wasn't something I wanted to be on long term. Otezla is the least harmful when it comes to side effects. It does not require routine lab/blood work. You're also not really supposed to drink alcohol when taking methotrexate. I love that Otezla does not lower you immune system and the ability to fight off infections. I've been taking Otezla now for 2-3 weeks and my skin has remained clear other than a couple spots on my knees that are almost gone. No real side effects. I will continue to take Otezla."

• Jaklyn
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I was prescribed Otezla 10 days ago for severe scalp and ear psoriasis. My dermatologist gave me the starter pack while I was waiting for insurance approval (which just obtained) and in this short period of time, I have noticed a nearly 50 percent reduction of the itchiness and scaling, which was so bad that it often bled and my scalp was painful from just a shower. I have a salt-water pool and the water stung so bad I tried not to get my head wet. I am astounded that I am already seeing a difference. I am even more astounded that I have had zero side effects. I was prepared for nausea, diarreah, and headaches - anything to get relief from the misery of constant scratching, scabing, and just plain pain. It hurt to even brush my hair."

• Timmy
• May 6, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "Works great! Slight headache to start.....which doesn't last. After 4 months 80% clear and I had psorasis over 75% of my body. Now after 6 months on it I am 99% clear. Unbelievable!!! This med has worked for me and I take/use nothing else in conjunction."

• just...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2018

Otezla (apremilast) "Otezla, ;( my back hurts again, daily headaches, and feel so tired every day! Wake up with leg cramps every night.. Like jumping out of bed cause they hurt so bad. I'm a painting contractor on ladders everyday, my legs feel very weak and shaky. Besides that, my teeth and nails throb. Back pain! it's absurd how bad it hurts.. My energies are so low..."

• Cd48jj
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "I used Otzela for 7 months, for the first two months all was great my skin cleared up about 80% of my body, and my joints were feeling better, about the 3rd month then I started to flare up, but in places I never had sores before. Every month it was getting worse. I stopped using it after the 7th month. It's been a month now off of Otezala and only on a new supplement. I am starting to clear up."

• Tim
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2018

Otezla (apremilast) "I took Otezla for two years it did help to a degree but I still had to use clobetasol cream along with it for a decent result. For the past year I have had 5 sinus infections which my doctor picked up on was from Otezla. Found out chronic sinusitis is a common side effect of the drug. We decided it was not worth it and I did have a bad flare when I stopped using it and took a month to get it under control. One thing I did not realize is how fatigue inducing this drug is. After I stopped taking it my energy levels came up over a few weeks and I feel great now. My psoriasis is a little worse without the Otezla but not to much."

• LynnS...
• August 19, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I was optimistic about Otezla because nothing else worked. I tried Humira, creams, Kenologe injections..everything. The 30day sample pack was like a miracle and then the let down happened. My Psoriasis got so bad that it was bleeding and my depression was crazy. The headaches were everyday and I was screaming and crying for no reason. I stopped the Otezla waited a month and tried it again to make sure I was right. Unfortunately I was correct. Otezla didn't work for me."

• Jmj
• April 29, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "Initially stomach ache, diarhea and headache, feeling of unease. After 2 months most side effects gone. Never any at night so I make sure I take on full stomach. This helps me. It has been highly effective. Psoriasis started to clear within weeks. Now 99 % clear. When a spot shows up I hit it with one or two doses of topical and it's gone. So far great."

• Carol...
• July 13, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "Otezla has changed my life for the better. My arms, legs, stomach, scalp and personal areas were covered with psoriasis for decades. It was very depressing, I hid under clothes no thought everyone was staring at my horrible looking skin. I had tried every ointment and cream know to treat psoriasis. Nothing worked. I finally, went to anew dermatologist and asked him about Otezla - I have been researching many oral melds but were afraid of the side affects. He said that Otezla could work, that the side affects were minimal but the success rates were not super high. I started on the Otezla pills long with Enstilar spray cream. After 2 months I was free and clear. It has been miraculous, my skin is smooth, & my self confidence has gone up."

• Mr Ra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "I experienced way too much in 6 days. At first things were okay. I got side effects not even said in the starter pack. I ballooned up. My eyes vision narrowed. The eyes changed to dark green from my beautiful blue eyes. My level of irritation at at others I would give a full 11 out of 10. Plus the other side effects. Having said that it not for everyone. Some people respond better than others. I am going back to my diet that was helping my Psoriasis. Pretty much no eating out. I only eat between 1,000-1,800 calories. Once in awhile I will go to 2,000 calories. I stay away from process foods when it possible. I did get rid of white spot on my back when I was doing that diet. Eating more vegges and less meat."

• Georgia
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "I’ve been taking Otezla for two months. It started out okay but now the side effects are starting - headaches, insomnia, agitation (including shaky hands) and extreme nausea. Not sure if this is related to the Otezla, but I have bronchitis which is actually a side effect. My psoriasis hasn’t started to clear, so I’m going to stop. The side effects are too overwhelming."

• DCHr
• April 13, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "I've been using it for about 18 months. Had used ointments, creams, etc. They helped. This has me about 90% cleared 80% of the time, even in winter (when it's usually worse). No real side effects -- upset stomach the first few days but that went away. Miracle drug so far for me."

• Shawn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "Just one week in and my scalp is almost 100% clear. MY forehead is 100% clear. MY stomach , sides, back and legs have stopped producing scales and is starting to clear to a light pink , not red and angry anymore. THE only side effect I am having thus far is the tension headaches , in which I started taking i.b. profin when I start feeling it come on. So far I am very pleased with the medication."

• MDSX
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I've been using Otezla for around three months now. I had some minor side effects of loose stool and headaches. They have subsided and don't affect me anymore. I'm probably 80% clear now. This time of year I normally have a large increase of lesions. Not only have the lesions gone away, no new ones have formed. It will be nice to wear shorts and short sleeve shirts again. For me, this med has worked great."

• Sudar...
• November 16, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "I have severe plague psoriasis. I have been taking this for now 6 months. First 3 month it controlled and most of my skin looks clear. But now it’s back to severe situation. I am still taking but no result. It’s expensive but no result is really a bad experience. I don’t smoke, drink and even eat healthy food."

• Kgano
• July 18, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "I initially started Humira while in the military, and it worked wonders for me. I was basically clear of all psoriasis and it also helped with my colitis. After retiring, I went without for about 6 months until I could get back in with another dermatologist. I told them I was previously on humira, and she decided to go a different route? More creams and foams. Until I had a flare up and she decided to put me on otezla. It worked but at a cost. It’s been almost 3 months of otezla and the side effects have become unbearable for me. You have to make sure you eat something for sure, and you still might feel sick after taking it. Headeache and nausea can be expected. I actually had to be prescribed Zofan because of it. I’ve lost at least 10 pounds also. All in all, it’s a struggle and a routine that’s hard to get used to."

• tjm
• November 24, 2015

Otezla (apremilast) "I've been on Otezla for 4 weeks now. I've had partial clearing on arms and chest. Still have plaques on my legs, but not as itchy as before. Scaling has been reduced. I do have 3-4 bowel movements a day, mainly in morning and afternoon. Have not had nausea or headaches. No depression either. Some minor weight loss. I'm happy with the results so far and hoping that this is the answer. Been dealing with psoriasis for over 40 years now. Started on scalp, but over the past couple of years the legs have been the worst. Been using creams and UV light. The UV light did work at first, but then seemed to be ineffective. Never had the desire to use injections."

• Jojo
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 21, 2019

Otezla (apremilast) "It worked ok for the first six months. However, depression, worsened insomnia, eventually an extreme reaction of high heart rate and blood pressure landing me in the emergency room. I would not recommend this drug to someone who already has insomnia, or an already high or borderline high heart-rate/blood pressure."

• daisy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2015

Otezla (apremilast) "I had plaque psoriasis on most of my body so bad that I could not sleep. I had the usual cracking, bleeding, etc. and had tried everything with the exception of the injectables. My health conditions would not allow me to take these. I started the Otezla and within 3 weeks I was completely clear. I did have pink patches where they were but it seemed to be a miracle. Now I have been on it for approximately 3 months and all of a sudden I have tiny (very tiny) patches starting up again. Hopefully this is only temporary. The side effects have not been bad. They were aggravating the first few weeks but have lessened to just more bowel movements. I love this medicine and hope that it will continue to keep me clear."