I have been on Otezla for about 7-8 months. My periods are starting sooner each month. I was almost always right at 28 days, then starting in March of this year it was 3 1/2 weeks, then 3 weeks, then 2 1/2 weeks, now I just started again today and my last period was a week and a half ago! If this rate keeps steady I'll be on my period every single day. The Otezla is the only thing I can think of to be causing this. I will obviously be making a dermatology appt and an OB/GYN appt, but I didn't know if anyone rise was experiencing this.
Can Otezla cause increased periods?
Question posted by mkk_girl on 1 June 2017
Last updated on 3 October 2023 by everythingis77
3 Answers
everythingis77
3 Oct 2023
Hello, ever since I started Otezla I have had an ongoing menstrual cycle for 2 months.
loveloveloveM
21 Feb 2023
Hi! I just wanted to say thank you all for this post and these questions and answers. I have been on Otezla for the past four weeks after trying many biologics and seeing them not work after a while. I also use topical creams and ointment as well. But, they also take time to clear my skin. After being on ILUMYA for 6 months and seeing no change, my dermatologist decided to try both that and Otezla since she thought it may work. But, the side effects that come along with such a medication as this definitely got to me. I suffered from diarrhea, my period starting four weeks ago when I began the medicine and never stopping, an increase in sinus headaches (as someone who got chronic migraines before this & was doing better, I definitely didn’t enjoy this side effect) and finally back pain. I also gave me such a bad bad headache this pad this past Friday, I threw up.
But, after scheduling a closer, follow up today to see my dermatologist instead of May, we decided to stop the medication. And she said this is this can be a rare side effect. We’re going to try a different medication now. But thank you for all of these posts, they definitely helped me and helped them know I was not alone in my suffering.
BLove1111
25 Sep 2017
Hello mkk_girl,
I am having the exact same issue. Have you had any changes to this? I dont want to stop Otezla because its working but my period wont stop. Its concerning me so much. Any insight you have is appreciated. thanks!
BLove1111
mkk_girl
25 Sep 2017
I went down to a half dose, 30 mg instead of 60 mg. It seems to be helping with the peroids, I'm back to every 3 weeks vs every other week. I will say this though, my psoriasis came back with a vengeance when I first dropped down in my dose so if you and your doctor decide to try a half dose keep up on topical treatment and expect flare ups. Im still not as clear as I was while on 60 mg, but its worth it to not be on my period 24/7. Good luck, I hope you can get both under control!
BLove1111
26 Sep 2017
Ohh thats great insight. Any indication as to why it causes the increased periods ? I would like to stay at 60 mgs since its working but this period is unbearable. I am wondering if iron pills would help? Also, I started drinking two different herbs that stop your period and it appears to be lightening up. They are shepherds purse and lady's mantle tea. Thanks!
Blove1111
mkk_girl
26 Sep 2017
Unfortunately my dermatologist wasn't sure why they were increasing so much. It does speed up certain processes in your body but I was her first patient to come to her regarding increased periods. We weren't even sure if it was from the Otezla at first, we decided on the half dose to see if the Otezla was the reason. Turns out it was. I don't think it's a common side effect or maybe women just don't put the two together. Plus my hair was falling out, which is more common. I'd really let your doctor know what's going on, they might be able to make suggestions if you want to stay at 60 mg.
BLove1111
26 Sep 2017
WOW! So strange! I just got off phone with my doctor. She is stumped and says I'm the first she has heard of with Otezla causing this. I am going to call my OB and see if they can offer an insight. I was told by a naturopath that I am deficient in certain hormones and he put me on a supplement called Min-Chex. It did help stop the period but I ran out and then got more deficient in that supplement and the periods came back. Now I am trying to get back up to par with Min-Chex but my body is having a hard time getting caught up. Thank you for sharing your story as you and I are the only two women who seem to have this issue. thanks!
Blove1111
TiffanyBoscan
9 Dec 2018
I have been on Otezla now for 4 weeks. It is the only medication I am using. My period came 5 days early. That NEVER happens to me!
mkk_girl
9 Dec 2018
Hi Tiffany, I completely forgot about this post! My OB/GYN and Derm both determined it WAS from the Otezla. I needed a prior auth for Otezla and had some trouble getting it approved so I was without my meds for over 3 months. My periods "reset" to just about 26 days by month 3 of no Otezla. When my prior auth was finally approved and I started back up, my periods increased right along with it. Still, no one seems to be able to say WHY. I am going with my Derm's explanation that since Otezla increases activity in certain areas (it's why you can have increased anxiety, weight loss, etc) that periods fall into this same category. It was just a theory we had since there was no proof, but after I started Otezla again I know it to be true. It may not happen to all women, and maybe not as severe with all women. I still stay at 30 mg because I can't handle having my period every other week. 30 mg keeps my period at once every 2 1/2 - 3 weeks.
My skin is not quite as clear I would like but if I keep up on my topicals it's livable. I can't use the injections due to being extremely sensitive to most meds so a half dose of Otezla is my compromise. Don't let doctors try to tell you it is not from the Otezla, because it most definitely is. Good luck with both the periods and the Otezla. I hope you can find a dose that is beneficial for you without the unwanted periods. Oh, just a note, the longer you are on the Otezla and the higher the dose, the more likely your periods will continue to increase so keep a period diary to show your doctors. Best of luck!
Related topics
psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, period, otezla
Further information
- Otezla uses and safety info
- Otezla prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Otezla (detailed)
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