Apremilast User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• smu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "After all the years of other medications that either didn't work or I had a reaction to, I was prescribed Otezla. It was working. No more psoriatic arthritis pain. I didn't have any side effects, and it also cleared up my psoriasis. Amazing. I did lose some weight, but that was okay. Unfortunately, my insurance company decided not to cover this drug, and I couldn't afford it. After running out, I had a bad relapse within a month. I got so sick from the relapse, and I ended up losing my job. My rheumatologist is fighting to get it back. It truly was the only medication that worked for me."

• Miz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "This is the only drug that has worked for me -- and I have tried 'em all! Really. All. Of. Them. I have both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The side effects were minimal in relation to the relief I received. About 50 percent cleared on scalp -- 100 percent cleared everywhere else on my body. 100 percent relief with arthritis pain."

• Age...
• April 21, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "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 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Have been on since approved by FDA in 2013. Previously on MTX and Enbrel, which I had to discontinue due to CMV and Epstein-Barr virus. Otezla works great on my joints and skin... BUT... I have lost 30#, now weight is 88-90#. SEVERE nausea, diarrhea. Am taking Lexapro, 10mg for depression. Cannot take 30mg bid, Dermatologist has reduced to 15mg hs. Still have the severe nausea, diarrhea, but much better. I am cutting the tabs in half. 10mg is manufactured for the titration dose, but can't get this for a maintenance dose. WHY NOT? So, I will continue to take 15mg daily because it works GREAT for severe PsA and psoriasis and I have no other options."

• RJ5...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "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!!!"

• Fin...
• October 14, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "My rheumatologist gave me 2 sample packs of Otezla, and by the time I finished the first pack, I could see a major difference in my skin plaques. They had all but disappeared. When I completed the second pack, they were gone, and the pain in my joints, especially my fingers, was improving. To me, this is a miracle drug. I type for a living, and my fingers were becoming so stiff, I thought I was going to have to quit my job. No flakes from my scalp, no plaques on the back of my legs, upper arms, or anywhere else they normally appeared. I haven't lost any weight so far. It's terribly expensive, but my rheumatologist gave me a 0 co-pay card with the samples, and I got on the program with Otezla with just one phone call for a year."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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 occasional nausea and diarrhea."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I put a lot of hope in getting some relief for psoriatic arthritis, but my suffering from taking these Otezla pills (30 mg/day after week 1) has been indescribable. I persevered the first 2 weeks of terrible stomach cramps, nausea, and burning sensation in my stomach by determination, but after week 6, I felt horrible. All I could try to do was try to reduce my extreme discomfort daily, including 20-30 trips to the toilet daily. I lost the daily battle in week 6, where I was taking anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids, Pepto-Bismol, and eating very bland foods like I had a bad case of colitis. The bladder and rectal pains lasted 48 hours after having dropped Otezla. I had a normal BM, and the gas pains have finally eased. It had the worst side effects imaginable, and I was not able to find out if I could be helped by Otezla, and I no longer care. I’ll have to try biologics or just accept a shorter and more restricted life at age 65."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "When I first started taking the medicine, I experienced diarrhea as expected. My nausea began to get worse. I thought I would give it a chance and ride out the side effects. They started getting worse, I am four months into this. I have been very sick because of this medicine. I went three days without being able to hold a meal down without vomiting. I have lost 15 pounds since starting. This medicine reacted badly with me, the bad outweighs the bad for me. I hope no one else has to go through this."

• jel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "It has cleared 98 percent of my body. I still have some, like in my ears, but very small, and like two spots on both legs. But overall, I am happy. I still have pain in my ankles sometimes, but that only comes from where I work (in a hospital). Very seldom do I get nauseous or have diarrhea, but I would recommend this medicine to everyone because it worked for me."

• 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."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

• 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...
• December 27, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I had psoriasis when I was a child that cleared. When I hit about 40, it came back with a vengeance...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!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Starting on month 2. I first noticed the inflammation in my hands reducing. I had a finger that I couldn't straighten or bend. I can now do both. Also, doing a lot less limping. There is still foot and ankle pain, but with definite improvement. They say full effect can take 4 months, but I feel this is working for me, and I am happy to not be on a biologic."

• DrA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2020

For Behcet's Disease "I have Behcet's disease and have been on Otezla for 5 months and have had zero (0!) ulcers. Had little red irritated areas, but didn’t ulcerate and healed in 1 day. Before Otezla, I had ulcers on a continual basis. All other symptoms are absent or reduced dramatically in intensity and/or duration: joint pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, red eyes, Raynaud's, insomnia, brain fog, general achiness, dry, blurry eyes, purpura. My skin heals normally now, rather than having a pathergy reaction occur (turning purple and taking a very long time to resolve). Only side effect: nausea if taken with water or juice. Otezla 2x/day with milk = no nausea. No weight gain/loss, and headaches are gone. Did not feel sad or cry while dosing up or since being on full dosage. If you're hesitant, try it. I read these reviews, and I was skeptical. However, I hope I never have to stop taking it. I am almost completely normal again, and the rare flare-ups are extremely dampened compared to what I was dealing with before. With the co-pay program, I pay $0."

• Rya...
• November 4, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Otezla for 4 months. At first, the side effects were severe, and I was feeling sick every day, but I continued 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 these 4 months, I have seen zero improvement on my skin, it is the same as if I had not been taking any medication at all. My doctor 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."

• Jau...
• November 30, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

• 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."

• Pja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Terrible side effects of diarrhea, loss of appetite and energy, depression, neck stiffness, and back pain, increased psoriasis, and overall feeling punked out. This did not go away after a few weeks as predicted, but got worse until I had a blowout reaction. I also did not see much improvement in joint pain and swelling, and my psoriasis increased. Overall, I was disappointed with the medication!"

• 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."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have psoriatic arthritis and skin plaques. I lasted 6 weeks on Otezla in extreme gaseous discomfort and with horrible diarrhea. In weeks 4-6, I had severe pressures in my bladder and stomach pains that were torturous. Currently wondering how this medicine was ever approved for sale, and the TV commercials are fraudulent and misleading. It was BAD. However, the miserable symptoms went away 2-3 days after terminating this medicine."