Otezla and Headaches: What Users Say

• Wta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "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 a 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!"

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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, gastric 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 in now, and I don't have any of the side effects any longer."

• Kgi...
• February 19, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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 two 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. I helped me lose 30 pounds. Seven 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."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "I've been prescribed every topical, and spent so much on UV therapy. I was then put on methotrexate. Had some good results, but constant liver and kidney functions, blood tests, and the upcoming liver biopsy to check for damage were 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), and my penis (TMI) have cleared up well. The back of my scalp had flaky plaques and heavy dandruff, and it’s almost totally clear. Otezla also seems to boost the effectiveness of topical meds for really stubborn areas. Websites and 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 with Otezla."

• dda...
• March 8, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was 7 weeks in as of today and had to stop immediately today. This drug did begin to help my psoriasis and it began to resolve; I was really happy. Anyone taking this needs to have someone watch them and their behavior. My mood and behavior changed dramatically. I got through the initial nausea and pushed through, hoping the headaches would resolve. But then it got worse. I am generally happy. My interactions with people began to go sour slowly, and in spats; I would get way too worked up over things. 6-7 weeks in, I became very irritable and depressed. Heaving sobs, feeling hopeless, flying off the handle, and bizarre things. It was gradual, so I was confused. Felt like I was another person in my own body. Feel better already."

• Hoc...
• 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 than the injectable options."

• Bar...
• October 3, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "After reading endless negative 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 a slight headache and 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 and confidence, I'm happier than I've been in years. I'm 99% clear! Never thought I'd be able to wear little shorts and be at the beach with clear skin again. Big fan and feel blessed. Hope this helped if you're on the fence."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis symptoms for 25 years. I tried Ultravate, Dovonex, and light with no success. Changed 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 was 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 lasted 3 weeks. The sores on my hands were the first to go, then the irritated skin on my forearms. It's been 4 weeks and the progress is slow but visible. I use the Otezla app to track the spots using photos. The wife noted she is seeing clearer skin also."

• Hsa...
• 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 were only a few that were positive. But so far, so good. Small headaches, but I get them anyway. I think I’ve run to the bathroom once. I always take medicine after eating. It 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."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I did read reviews before starting Otezla and was scared of the adverse reactions mentioned in almost every review. I am taking Otezla for a month now. I do not see any changes in my psoriasis yet, but I don't have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Just a mild headache, manageable. A couple of nights of light insomnia, but it went away in a week. I am kept going, will see how it works."

• 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 the 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 cannot tolerate constantly feeling sick, so yesterday I took Otezla for the last time."

• Ote...
• 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."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was okay with pushing through the vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and headaches. Then all of a sudden, the muscles in my legs cramped and 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 and 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 hours it faded. Needless to say, it ruined my Christmas, and I’m stopping this drug."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have psoriasis on the soles of my feet only. Tried steroid cream to not much luck. Doc started me 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 Tacs candy."

• 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 every time 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 Cosyntx, but I'm not sure after reading those reviews. These reviews for Otezla are dismal and accurate."

• Jef...
• 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."

• Ang...
• 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 effects I do have are tension headaches. Not every day, but only once a week. This prescription says no need to take with meals, 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 and short-sleeved shirts (:"

• GoS...
• August 7, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Rashes in the crotch area for at least 5 years. Rash on the 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 + 20mg, 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 + 30mg today. Swelling and pain both decreasing as the day wears on. Mild stomach pain-short-lived. Stronger and longer headaches, but easily tolerable."

• Spo...
• June 3, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Started Otezla 4 months ago. I had had a strep throat that caused me to develop 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 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 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."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "After failing Enbrel and Humira, my doc moved me to a different class. Otezla has been 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!!"

• 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 Behçet'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."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I've been on Otezla for 3 weeks now, and all I can say is that this drug really works. I've been suffering from psoriasis for 6 years now. It mostly affected my scalp, but it also 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."

• JM9...
• November 22, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

• 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 30 mg 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."