Otezla for Plaque Psoriasis User Reviews

• megat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

"I must say, I was disillusioned by the reviews I had seen on this site and others. I am glad I went with my doctors advice. I developed guttate psoriasis a year ago. It nearly covered all of my legs, feet, torso (front and back, and upper arms. I have not yet finished the two starter kits given to me by the doctor. So, after 24 days (15 days at full dosage) I have had no side effects and am 90% clear. The cream therapy that I started with a year ago had very little affect. Otezla has been amazing."

• Wtano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

"I have been on Otezla for 22 days for plaque psoriasis, I have been nauseous, had diarrhea, severe headaches and muscle aches with my legs, lower back and neck! Not able to sleep at night even with sleeping pills and using heating pad! I have missed several days of work. I decided today to go off the medication, I don’t feel I can tolerate the side effects. I don’t feel the psoriasis has improved that much. Not worth feeling rubbish like I am feeling!"

• RS44
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2015

"I have severe plaque psoriasis and in just 3 months, it is like night and day with just a trace of it left. It is not a shot, just 2 pills a day. I feel 99% better at this time. Much clearer than I was with Enbrel. I gave it a 9 only because there is always something they will improve on, but I am very happy with it."

• Jano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

"Suffered with Psoriasis for 13 years and I’m only 23. Literally got it when I was 10 & nothing worked for me. I already started to see results with Otezla within 1 week and now after 3 weeks I’m literally 95% cured. I’m beyond happy & I was told I wouldn’t see results for 3 months, but with me this worked IMMEDIATELY. I got intense migraines with this medicine the first 2 weeks. I’m on week 4 and the one symptom that hasn’t went away is the nausea, but it only lasts an hour after taking it... and to me it’s so worth it."

• 31yo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

"This is the first serious health issue I’ve ever had. Never had surgery or anything like that and I’m an extremely active person. Was very scared to take the drug because of all the bad things I read, but then I figured that the only people that write reviews are people that experience bad side effects. Been on a Otezla for three weeks have experienced zero side effects whatsoever but have also experienced zero relief. Psoriasis is still getting worse. Will post another update in the next 10 weeks. I don’t like taking mediation ever, not even when I have a cold. So if this doesn’t work I will probably try a hardcore crash diet. My derm suggested to try gluten free and diary free. Note: I did phototherapy for 3 months and got complete remission, but when I was diagnosed with PsA we decided I needed to address that. Hope this helps anyone seeking help."

• JANJ
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

"I have been dealing with psoriasis for about 4 years now (started getting it at 38) and was considered "mild" so my previous derm only prescribed creams/ointments. My condition worsened and just this month I started seeing a new derm. She diagnosed me as "moderate" and did not think injections were right for me and prescribed Otezla as well as another cream. It's been 1 week today and so far I am extremely happy. The redness is starting to fade, I am no longer itchy and uncomfortable. I will admit I was a little freaked out about the side effects that people were experiencing and I have not had any so far. Remember, everyone is different and will respond how their body wants to. I'm positive that this will work for me as I am desperate to get my self esteem back and not have to cover up or hide any more! Good luck to all who are starting this treatment."

• DJ in...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2015

"I began this medication with a 28 day starter pack and transitioned from there. The first month my side effects were like "WHOA" (headache, nausea, gastic distress of epic proportions!) pretty much hell on earth. HOWEVER, here I am 5 months later and for the first time in my life I am completely clear. There is not a plaque to be seen or felt. No itching, no flaking, no cracking! If you're new to this med; don't give up. It gets better!! I'm 5 months into now and I don't have any of the side effects any longer."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2015

"I have tried otezla twice the first time it cause horrible stomach pain and I had to discontinue it after three weeks. It worked miracles for my skin though almost all clear. I went to GI to get something to counteract the otezla. Went back on it and after two months on it I started having really bad panic attacks. I am not a panic person and have never had anxiety it got so bad I had to stop the pills. However be warned you can not just stop the pills you have to slowly decrease the dose the same way you have to increase in the beginning. I was not told this and ended up in the ER."

• Kgirl
• February 19, 2020

"I've been on Otezla for 3 months. Psoriasis cleared up within a month. Experienced weight loss, headaches (for the first few days) and diarrhea (for about a week) . Overall for me it's worth the side effects especially since they go away over time."

• Trish...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2015

"I have been on this medication for about 6 weeks and it is absolutely amazing. My legs have completely clear. The only sign of my plaque psoriasis is the hyper pigmentation and slowly but surely that is going away as well. I no longer itch either. All of my family and friends have noticed that drastic change in my skin. I even wore a dress for the first time in 4 years today. I could go on forever. Of course everyone's body is different, please keep this in mind."

• Jord...
• July 30, 2015

"I have had severe plaque psoriasis on my scalp for 5 years and up until this medication literally nothing had helped me. I did every topical, several drugs and even a uv light to treat it. Once it spread to my body I had had enough and was put on this medication. It has almost cleared up my psoriasis completely, and it works fast. However the side effects for me have been horrific. I am terribly nausous and have diahrea literally every time I take it, this subsides within the hour and I can carry on with my day. Yes it's horrible and I've considered stopping the medication; however the fact that I haven't should be proof of just how well it works."

• Cryst...
• July 11, 2015

"I have been on Otezla for 10 weeks. I went from having plaques on the majority of my entire body, to having none at all by week 5. This week I had a flare up. And I am feeling really nauseuas this week. I am happy with the results so far Considering I have had this condition for 20 years and have never been so clear."

• Jimb0s
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 28, 2019

"Spontaneous remission! Well, almost. I have the pictures to prove it. Within a few weeks I went from worst in my 55 years of Psoriasis to overwhelming success. Once I made it through diarrhea I am stellar. I have next to nothing now. Okay, every once in a while I need a steroid on my butt crack and one stray dot here and there on a leg. One weird thing is because I had such bad P everywhere I never knew I also have Vitiligo, who would have guessed. I wish everyone would get my results. Thanks Otezla!!"

• Mean...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2015

"This medicine began to work almost immediately. Mostly clear now except for a few spots. First time like this in 35 years. Only side effects have been bathroom visits are 2-3 a day now, loose stool. No Nausea or anything else."

• Agenk
• April 21, 2019

"I had a horrible reaction to this drug. I am a healthy 29 Year old with awful scalp plaque psoriasis. I’ve tried every topical steroid with no change. After years of desperation, my new dermatologist recommended Otezla. I was excited for something different to treat this disease. The first day taking it, I immediately felt strange: lethargic, slightly dizzy, and just “out of it” but I didn’t think anything of it. The next morning, I woke up hardly able to move my body, severe nausea and vomiting immediately. I slept all day and the worst part was that my body felt pain in every area. My back hurt, my joints, my muscles. It was absolutely horrible. There is no way I could continue taking this medication and function normally; it’s very perplexing to see people successful on this medication but I guess everyone has a different reaction. Anyone else have the same experience? I would take an itchy, flaky scalp a MILLION times over this medication."

• NoelN...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2018

"Wow, I guess I have been living in a bubble. I am stunned to read some of these negative comments. I have been on Otezla for over a couple years now. After the initial common short-term side effects, I have had continuous 90 to 95% clear skin. Psoriasis used to control so much of my life, keeping my dry patches covered in public. Now I just wear whatever I want. No more long sleeves all summer and I can wear sandals again. For me Otezla equals freedom. I am so grateful!"

• Roseart
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2018

"I have been taking Otezla for approximately one month and I have to say there is nothing like it. My psoriasis has quickly gone into remission. My psoriasis was so bad at times that I would scratch until it bled. Additionally, it has helped my psoriatic arthritis considerably. I have not been waking up stiff and in pain, that in itself is glorious. I did have the nausea the first week, but adjusted that issue by eating a substantial meal prior to taking the medicine. Had a little bit of aching in parts I had not before, but that also subsided 2.5 weeks in. Overall, it has been a great experience. Using samples at this point while I fight with my insurance company."

• Harry
• January 9, 2020

"The percentages here are pretty close to what the clinical trials have shown. Only about 30-35% of people get to 75% clear. That's roughly the same percentage of people who gave a 7 or higher review. But the severity of some of the side effects are certainly concerning, as is the development of even worse psoriasis when the drug is stopped (and sometimes before). At best, it is a tricky cost/benefit call. Mainly comes down to whether someone is feeling lucky! Or not."

• RED...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2016

"I like to travel and the last thing I need is a further compromised immune system. Otezla sounded like a good option, so I talked to my doctor about it. She was cautious, as they had 2 other folks on it and one was quitting because of the side effects, and the other hadn't shown any progress as of yet. I started in October of 2015, and the only side effects I suffered were minor tension headaches for the first few weeks, and weight loss. Like helped me lose 30 pounds weight loss. 7 months and 98% clear, with my arthritis almost gone also. I haven't felt or looked this good in 20 years. Completely changed my life."

• Dallas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2019

"I've been prescribed every topical, & spent so much on UV-therapy. I was then put on methotrexate. Had some good results, but constant liver & kidney functions/blood tests & the upcoming liver biopsy to check for damage was not worth it. I also started to lose my hair, it started to thin out terribly after a month. I went to another physician and was prescribed Otezla. I’ve been on this medication for about a month. Already, my knees, elbows, torso, crack of my ass (inverse psoriasis) & my penis (TMI) have clearing up well. The back of my scalp had flaky plaques & heavy dandruff, & it’s almost totally clear. Otezla also seems to boost the effectiveness of topical meds for really stubborn areas. Website & reviews warn of depression, headaches and GI upset. I haven’t experienced any of these but a little insomnia. I hope the results of this medication continue. I can't tell you how great it is to finally find a medication without endless monitoring. I am happy w/Otezla."

• Irish...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

"Was on vacation and developed a rash on legs. I knew my guttate psoriasis had returned. It had been about 20 years since my last episode. Psoriasis was on my legs, trunk and arms. Derm advised me of otezla and began treatment. After two weeks my skin was clear and no side effects. Very pleased with med."

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

"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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2015

"I have only been on this med for 3 weeks, however, I am very happy with the results so far. Almost total clearing of plaques on my hands. I have fought psoriasis for many, many years and this is the clearest my skin has been. The only side effect I have had is occasionally nausea and diarrhea."

• Carre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2019

"I have had psoriasis symptoms for 25 years. I tried Ultravate, Dovonex and light with no success. Change my diet, symptoms faded, a few spots here and there. I had Strep and developed guttate psoriasis. Tried Cyclosporine, was like dying each dose. BP climbed to 200/100 but cleared up. Strep throat again, onto prednisone. I gained weight, couldn't sleep and moody. Insurance refused Otezla. Doc put me on methotrexate. Methotrexate requires blood draws and liver biopsies; worked on the spots caused strong brain pain. Discontinued Methotrexate, started Otezla. Initially diarrhea and headaches, the headaches ended after two or three weeks, the diarrhea 3 weeks. The sores on my hands were the first to go, then the irritated skin on my forearms. Its been 4 weeks and the progress is slow but visible. I use the Gotezla app to track the spots using photos. The wife noted she is seeing clearer skin also."

• RJ54
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2015

"I am going on six weeks taking Otezla. The results are absolutely amazing compared to all of the various topicals and pills I've tried over the years. I've never been talked into a biologic because the side effects looked worse than the disease. I thought the side effects weren't terrible with Otezla, so I gave it a shot. I wasn't given a starter pack at first, make sure to follow the dosing information. Unlike others, I've experienced absolutely no side effects with almost complete (99%) clear up. Fantastic!!!"