Apremilast for Plaque Psoriasis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "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."

• Lesser...
• September 12, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I've been on Otezla a little over a year now, and I think I will be stopping tomorrow after I visit my dermatologist. The pros: much of my psoriasis cleared within weeks, especially on my neck and scalp. When doing UV treatments with the Otezla, I was near 95% clear. I had all the side effects, like tension headaches, stomach issues, and weight loss. However, I would take that and clearer skin over my psoriasis. I've had psoriasis for 24 years now, and I have tried everything from steroid creams, UV, and biologic injections. I thought Otezla was the best! However, over the last month, I have been experiencing anxiety and depression. I get stressed out so easily, and having panic attacks has never been me. I cannot function normally."

• 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."

• BiggT...
• November 4, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "My psoriasis started about 14 years ago and has 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 effects 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."

• 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 I just obtained), and in this short period of time, I have noticed a nearly 50 percent reduction in 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, diarrhea, and headaches - anything to get relief from the misery of constant scratching, scabbing, and just plain pain. It hurt to even brush my hair."

• 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..."

• 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."

• Timmy
• May 6, 2017

Otezla (apremilast) "Works great! Slight headache to start, which doesn't last. After 4 months, 80% clear, and I had psoriasis 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."

• 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."

• LynnS...
• August 19, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "I was optimistic about Otezla because nothing else worked. I tried Humira, creams, Kenalog injections... everything. The 30-day sample pack was like a miracle, and then the letdown happened. My psoriasis got so bad that it was bleeding, and my depression was crazy. The headaches were every day, 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, diarrhea, and headache, feeling of unease. After 2 months, most side effects gone. Never any at night, so I make sure I take on a 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."

• 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."

• 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, not thinking everyone was staring at my horrible-looking skin. I had tried every ointment and cream known to treat psoriasis. Nothing worked. I finally went to a new dermatologist and asked him about Otezla. I have been researching many oral meds but was afraid of the side effects. He said that Otezla could work, that the side effects were minimal, but the success rates were not super high. I started on the Otezla pills along with Enstilar spray cream. After 2 months, I was free and clear. It has been miraculous, my skin is smooth, and 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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 are 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, for which I started taking ibuprofen 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 in 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• moedad
• July 21, 2016

Otezla (apremilast) "took for psoriasis went away!!!! then came back!!! quit cold turkey do not do!!!! side affects are worse coming off drug. acts like a narcotic!!!!! i too thought the sides effects were worth it but it comes back!!!! one side effect not mentioned bad mood swings!!! and have panic attacks when you try to get off the drug!!!! people need to know."

• 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 the 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 the 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."

• 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."