Apremilast for Plaque Psoriasis User Reviews (Page 4)

• Rol...
• August 13, 2016

"This medicine has been unbelievable for me. I am now 100% clear, with only a couple of dry places on my scalp. I was so completely miserable and in pain, but since I started taking this drug almost two months ago, I'm clear! My insurance refused to pay for it, even after my doctor petitioned a second time. I'm now in another fight for coverage, and I will continue to fight! I have had some side effects (severe headaches, nausea, sleeplessness), but it's worth it! While I know this drug does not help everyone, I love it and so appreciate what it's done for me."

• Sud...
• November 16, 2019

"I have severe plaque psoriasis. I have been taking this for now 6 months. The first 3 months it controlled, and most of my skin looks clear. But now it’s back to a severe situation. I am still taking it, but no result. It’s expensive, but no result is really a bad experience. I don’t smoke, drink, and even eat healthy food."

• JP ...
• February 8, 2017

"Been on it for over a year (with a one-month hiatus in there). First of all, I take psyllium husk fiber every day and have NO diarrhea... definitely recommend that people on (and not on) Otezla do that. Do get occasional headaches but not too bad. Psoriasis is under control. Had bad plaques but those are mostly red skin areas now. Biggest improvement on the face... which makes this worth it to me. I do enjoy the side effect of weight loss. Would definitely recommend that one with bad psoriasis give it a try (and stick out the first couple weeks). Still need to use a few topicals as well."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

"I have had psoriasis since I was 13, and now, after 22 years, I am finally happy with a pill that has helped me get rid of it. I used to get major migraines before I started taking Otezla, and in the first 2 weeks of taking Otezla, I did get a migraine a couple of times, and I always had my migraine pills with me, so that was not a big deal. Exactly after 2 weeks, I started seeing results. I had psoriasis almost on 70% of my body, and I have less than 5%. This pill is amazing, and I swear by it. Also, I am from Canada, and it's nice that it's covered by my insurance. I do see my doctor every 2 months to make sure nothing has changed in my condition and for a checkup. I usually don't write recommendations online, but I am so impressed with this pill, and that's why I wanted to share my experience with everyone."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2017

"I began Otezla two weeks ago. I have extremely bad plaque psoriasis on the palms of both my hands, including terrible itching. The condition started a few years ago, at age 55. So far, the Otezla is going well as far as not having the negative side effects. I have no diarrhea, only a couple of minimal headaches, and no nausea. I am hopeful the Otezla will work out well. With my insurance, I pay zero out-of-pocket."

• Let...
• February 28, 2017

"I have had psoriasis my entire life; for the last 6 years, it has been so bad on my feet that walking is a problem. I have been on Otezla for about 3 weeks. Here is what I have experienced: I have had some good results on my feet, but a bit of a trade-off. Loss of appetite, nausea occasionally, no headaches at all, and only one day of feeling lethargic and a bit sad. I also get itchy; sometimes my skin crawls, especially at night, and yesterday my bones actually ached. It is so random when this comes and goes. I am still on the fence a bit with it. I am hoping these things will go away. I haven't heard anything about long-term effects."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2019

"Happy with the clearance but am struggling with the side effects. I'm 8 weeks into this treatment and have had problems with my digestive tract. I started taking a probiotic at the recommendation of my pharmacist, and that's helped a lot. The pain is probably my biggest issue at this point, and if it gets worse, I may consider discontinuing, as the pain areas are hips, back, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. Sometimes my knees as well. So pretty much everywhere but not all the time. I have had psoriasis for 52 years, and this is the clearest my skin has been in my memory."

• per...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2017

"Sweden's calling: I've been on Otezla for more than 9 months and most of my plaque psoriasis has cleared up! It seems like the scalp is showing some resistance, but I'm not giving up. Had some side effects like diarrhea and poor appetite in the beginning, but it's all fine now. Take care!"

• RJ1...
• February 5, 2016

"I am using Otezla and have been for the past 5 months now. Before taking Otezla, I only had plaque psoriasis on my scalp. It would get very dry and hard, and when I would scratch my scalp, it would bleed. The side effects were nothing too hard to get used to. I have lost some weight, but overall, the plaque psoriasis has cleared up to where it is more manageable and less scaly. On my body, the only time I had a bad case of psoriasis was when I got mosquito bites on my legs, and it turned into red scaly patches all over. I used this sea salt scrub every day when I showered, and it went away. Now, with using sea salt as a regular monthly regimen all over my body, I only have psoriasis on my scalp."

• Anonymous
• October 27, 2015

"Took starter pack for 13 days and felt like I was in a fog all the time. On the 10th day, started to have dizziness. By the 13th day, it was so bad I stopped it. My doctor said to stop it for one week and then only take it once a day. Will see if that works or not. Both the company nor the doctor ever mentioned these effects!"

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2016

"Worked fantastically well after a short period of side effects (stomach pain and other gastrointestinal issues). Psoriasis has practically cleared, leaving only pale patches where it had been. Experienced significant weight loss, likely due to the stomach issues."

• BB ...
• October 31, 2018

"Whelp, the psoriasis cleared (mostly) after having it on my arms, neck, stomach, and scalp (lost a lot of hair), so I broke down and started Otezla. I’ve been on it for almost a year, and after being an active and healthy adult (psoriasis aside), I’ve had the worst health issues I could imagine. The nausea, loss of appetite (lost 25 lbs in a year), depression, and immediate, runny bowel movements after eating have all driven me crazy. I hated the psoriasis more than anything (which kept me on the med this long), and my dermatologists (that’s right, there have been two) convincingly told me none of these were side effects and advised me to change other aspects of my life (stress levels, diet - which has always been healthy and balanced, etc.) as those were to blame for what I was experiencing. I’m sad that it’s taken me this long to do my own in-depth research only to find out these are common and ARE, in fact, side effects. I need my health back! Even if it means I’m itchy and bald!"

• CVL...
• September 16, 2018

"I’ve been on Otezla for about 4-5 months now. The first month, I definitely saw some clearing in my original areas, which were always on the upper part of my feet, scalp, and a bit on my knees every now and then. Now, starting my 5th month on it, I’ve begun to get breakouts in places I’ve never had problems, like my fingers, wrists, and as of the past couple of days, the soles of my feet. I’ve never had so many breakout areas... When I told my dermatologist in my follow-up that I wasn’t completely sure it was working, her first reaction was to keep me on Otezla until the end of the year to give it time to work. When I told her I’d been feeling a bit down and had nausea... she told me straight up that statistically most people suffer from depression, so not to worry. I really got the vibe that she didn’t care and that she’s probably getting a commission from Otezla for keeping me on it. I’m really considering getting off it... Otezla for me has done more bad than good."

• Bam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2018

"Been psoriatic since 1999, sometimes very bad. I am 51 years old. I have been on Otezla for about 3 months, and my skin has cleared. Initially, it was bad when I followed a timed regimen to take the medicine twice daily. I changed that (my decision) to take it along with two large meals, which for me is brunch and dinner. Since my stomach movements are now too frequent, my skin is clear besides significant loss of weight, good bpm score, lesser exhaustion, and more energy for exercise! Good job, Celgene."

• ACa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2019

"I have been taking Otezla for almost 2 months, and the side effects are terrible. I have had severe vomiting with or without meals. I am told to give it 16 weeks, yet also was told side effects would only last a couple weeks. In 8 weeks, I lost almost 20 lbs, but not in a good way. I just feel so unhealthy; the psoriasis at times looks better and other times worse. I’m considering coming off and seeing what else can be done. Doctors and pharmacies are really pushing this medication, but I am beginning to feel like a guinea pig. Side effects are just too severe."

• Anonymous
• June 12, 2017

"My doctor gave me samples, and within a month, I was almost clear with no side effects. However, my copay for Otezla is $1,352.00 per month, which is totally unaffordable. I was denied financial assistance because I was a little over income. I am on Medicare plus supplements and never thought that at this stage in my life I would be unable to afford my medication. Due to breast cancer, the other meds on the market are not suitable. If anyone has any idea what to do next, I would appreciate it. Otezla is a great product-but unaffordable. Their customer service department was stone cold in denying my plea for help."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2019

"I've had psoriasis for 15 years, with 75% of my legs covered. I've tried various steroid creams and laser, but it came back as soon as I stopped. I was on Enbrel for 1 year with great success, but then it stopped working. Switched to Humira, and it worked great for 3 years, then it stopped working. Switched to Otezla with high hopes, but it never really worked even though I took it for 4 months. My psoriasis didn't worsen while I was on it, but it never improved either. As for side effects, I did experience a mild upset stomach all day long and sudden urges to go to the bathroom, but these lessened after about a month or so. I'm prediabetic and did note that when I stopped Humira and started Otezla, my fasting blood sugar readings were much higher than normal. Now my doctor has switched me to Cosentyx, and after 2 weeks, I am already seeing improvement."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2019

"I am 49 and have psoriasis on my legs, back, shoulders, arms, back of scalp, and finally on the inside and outside back of both ears. It has progressively gotten worse since 1998. I was on Otezla for 7 days after receiving a sample packet from my doctor. I had nausea, diarrhea, headache, throwing up, and an upper respiratory infection for 5 of the 7 days. There was no improvement, and with only seven days, I didn't expect there to be. The sinus infection was the worst (lost my voice and missed work for 3 days). After reading so many reviews (good and bad), the negative far outweighs the handful of positive. I know after only seven days many would say I should give it more time, but I would rather just deal with the itching, flakes, and nasty looks people give seeing it on me. I guess I'll just wear my jeans all summer long. I made the decision to quit while I'm ahead and continue to use raw coconut oil, Eucerin, and steroid creams to control dryness and outbreaks."

• tjm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2015

"Now have 8 weeks completed with Otezla. The side effects are getting better. Fewer trips to the bathroom, nausea gone. Skin is getting better. Still have visible patches on my legs, but they are less angry-looking. The itching has been reduced also. Taking 30 mg twice a day."

• Yo ...
• May 18, 2016

"Started Otezla aftertaste years of psoriasis and the onset of psoriatic arthritis. I saw results within two weeks and was completely clear after the second week. I did not have any side effects except a slight headache, I did nothing different, drank beer while on it, no side effects."

• moe...
• July 21, 2016

"Took for psoriasis, went away! Then came back! Quit cold turkey, do not do! Side effects are worse coming off drug. Acts like a narcotic! I too thought the side 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."

• Jct...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2017

"Otezla worked for me. (Please read the entire review.) A little bit of a stomach ache for about a week, for about an hour after each of the twice-daily doses. I was given the drug for several months due to my financial state. First, the free Otezla stopped at 3 months, my psoriasis came back, a little worse than before. Talked with the dermatologist, and they got it reinstated, and my skin again slowly cleared. But again, like before, the gratis product ended at 3 months. My skin is now worse than ever. I guess I am looking for an answer. Does taking this product with success and then stopping trigger a worse condition than when it was started? I really appreciate the company giving the product, as paying $1233.00 per month as it was is impossible for me to afford it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2016

"I have been on Otezla for about 18 months and am very satisfied. The only side effect has been the loose stool that most people have experienced. Prior to taking this medication, I was getting 12 to 15 shots per month on my scalp and all over my legs directly into the outbreaks. Additionally, I was using prescribed creams, lotions, and shampoo. My scalp was so bad that the psoriasis covered a patch of skin cancer that was probably growing for over a year. It was detected as I insisted on a biopsy of the area because that one area was not responding to treatment. Except for one or two small patches, my skin is free and clear. Insurance is a problem, however, there is a prescription assistance program available, and you can be reimbursed."

• Mim...
• July 12, 2016

"So far, so great! I've had zero gastrointestinal side effects or headaches and tremendous clearing of my skin after only 2 weeks (started with the starter pack). I am full of energy and my body feels great! I have 1 bridging pack, and now comes the challenge of getting my insurance to cover it... fingers crossed!!!"

• Iro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2018

"Third day in the starter pack. Marked improvement in scale and red cracked skin on my face, scalp, and belly button. Slight stomach discomfort on day one, barely noticed. I work out riding a bike 21 miles, 1.2 hours daily, which I feel may help me also. Hopeful. I can see people now and not feel judged for my skin."