Apremilast for Plaque Psoriasis User Reviews (Page 3)

• 89t...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2019

"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."

• Big...
• November 4, 2016

"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."

• Jmj...
• April 29, 2016

"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."

• Lyn...
• August 19, 2016

"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."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2016

"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."

• Les...
• September 12, 2016

"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."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2019

"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."

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2018

"I saw nearly 40% clearance within a week of taking Otezla. I went from looking like a burn victim to having clear, beautiful skin that wasn't cracking and bleeding. It's amazing, and I have never had a better experience. Humira and Methotrexate did not help me at all, no movement, this is the first drug to change my entire body or make any change at all. So thankful."

• 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."

• Car...
• July 13, 2016

"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."

• jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2018

"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 because they hurt so bad. I'm a painting contractor on ladders every day, 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..."

• DCH...
• April 13, 2017

"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."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2016

"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."

• HRi...
• March 3, 2017

"I'm on Day 10 with this medication and am already seeing significant improvements in my psoriasis! My doctor told me it may take a month or more to see any change, so this is a pleasant surprise. I had read about the side effects and was expecting the first while to be rough, but man! I can't keep anything down, and the diarrhea is unreal! I've found aspirin helps the headaches, so those aren't so bad. I've lost 8 pounds since I started Otezla, which is a bonus, but I wouldn't say it's the best diet plan I've ever been on... I'm hoping the side effects subside as my body gets used to the medication, and I'm very hopeful to see more improvements in my psoriasis!"

• MDS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2016

"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."

• Tim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2018

"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 five sinus infections, which my doctor picked up on as being from Otezla. I 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 it 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 too much."

• Cd4...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

"I used Otezla 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 Otezla and only on a new supplement. I am starting to clear up."

• Ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2017

"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 your 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."

• dai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2015

"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."

• Nik...
• June 6, 2016

"I guess I am one of the lucky ones! I love this medication, and the people at Otezla have been completely supportive and generous with me. For the first time in years, I can wear whatever I want! I recently took my first hot tub in about 5 years. No redness. Otezla started to show some progress after 2 weeks and continued to improve over 3 months, at which point I still had a few rough patches, but no redness. My side effects are mild and as expected. No weight loss, but my skin is better than it has been in 8 years. My doctor had to apply twice to Blue Shield, followed by an appeal, to get me 4 months of coverage, and Otezla is paying the co-pay. This has been a dream come true for me."

• ddp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 12, 2016

"I've been on Otezla for 10 months now, and I'm 95% clear. I had really bad psoriasis on both feet and some on my hands. Also lost some weight. Since taking this medication, my glucose has steadily gone up, so my PCP put me on metformin, which is not helping. Has anyone been diagnosed with diabetes after taking Otezla? Please let me know because the doctors say it's not related, but I have read a few users that this has happened to like me. Also, I'm having some back pains. Thanks."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2019

"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."

• tjm...
• November 24, 2015

"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."

• Joj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 21, 2019

"It worked okay for the first six months. However, depression, worsened insomnia, eventually an extreme reaction of high heart rate and blood pressure, landing me in the emergency room. I would not recommend this drug to someone who already has insomnia or an already high or borderline high heart rate/blood pressure."

• Kga...
• July 18, 2019

"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. Headache and nausea can be expected. I actually had to be prescribed Zofran 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."