Otezla and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been on Otezla for 3 weeks for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It started out okay, but then I became nauseous, couldn't eat, had diarrhea, but I was managing. Then my joints got worse and worse, I couldn't move. The final straw was I took an evening dose and severely began vomiting. I stopped taking it and called the doctor. I have been without it almost 48 hours, and while my stomach is still a little queasy, I'm not nearly as sore and don't feel miserable. 90% of my symptoms came on as a result of this medication, it might have helped a little with my plaque psoriasis, but not enough to keep feeling miserable. We are looking into a new treatment."

• Kar...
• June 21, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was on Otezla for 3 months and saw some clearing on my skin and definitely had severe headaches and diarrhea, but had to stop taking it because I developed a respiratory infection. At first, I thought there was no connection. After a month, I started back up and my skin became progressively worse, but I stuck it out as I was told by the dermatologist it takes time to adjust to it. By the 4th month, my skin was so badly inflamed it was pure agony to put clothes on. I broke it in places I never had psoriasis. To top it all off, I developed yet another respiratory infection and was told by the pulmonary doctor that it is a side effect of the medication and that I had to stop taking it due to its dangers to people with asthma, wish I knew that."

• Mar...
• September 9, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I started taking Otezla in 2015 for inverse psoriasis. I experienced nausea, diarrhea, migraine headaches, and extreme fatigue for the first 6 months. The intragluteal fold fissures and fissures under my breast and arms were gone in less than a month. I had plaque on my shins that was spreading painfully and rapidly, and my skin cleared in less than 3 months. The side effects were horrible, but tolerable. I reported the extreme fatigue because I was unable to drive a full ride home without calling for a ride when I was driving. I found myself pulling over to sleep because I couldn't keep my eyes open. I'm taking a stimulant now, and my skin remains clear. This medication has really helped me, and the side effects are now tolerable. I get sporadic headaches, nausea every day, but my skin is not open anymore."

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 28, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "No real side effects except the loose stool. Seems to affect most everybody. I'm 70% clear now, was almost 99% clear for a time until my insurance co. decided it was going to cancel my script. Missed a few doses, never got back to where I was before. Only missed 3-4 days till I got the script back. I'd say never miss a day."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I took this medication last month, and the first 7 days were so bad I stopped. The normal side effects of nausea, diarrhea, and migraines. My doctor convinced me to give it another go. I must say it is not as bad the second time. I have been back on it for 3 days, and as long as I stay hydrated and take Tylenol as soon as I feel the headache come on, it hasn't been as bad, and I can manage the diarrhea. I wish I would have stuck through because I would be 2 months into treatment. Better late than ever. Don't give up."

• son...
• July 5, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I had to stop Otezla after 16 days due to vomiting and severe diarrhea. I felt generally fine until day 16 and was beginning to see improvements. Seven days now after stopping Otezla and still have 7-10 diarrhea episodes per day and significant fatigue. I do not plan to restart."

• Ven...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have only tried for 3 weeks and am so disappointed. My one severe spot of psoriasis improved but didn’t totally clear. I had all 3 common symptoms of headache, diarrhea, and nausea. The worst, however, is my PA felt like it worsened. I don’t want biologics as I’m only 40, but I'm not sure what other option is next."

• DDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2021

For Plaque Psoriasis "I broke out with psoriasis about a year ago. It was mild and I tried using creams. The steroid cream made my blood sugars extremely high and uncontrollable. Nothing was helping. I started Otezla a month ago. A few bouts of diarrhea. Nothing terrible. A few headaches, but I am also trying to quit caffeine, so that could be the headaches. My problem is the tiredness. I want to sleep all day. An hour or so after taking my pill, I literally pass out. Nights I cannot sleep. It made my days and nights switch. The scalp psoriasis has cleared, but the rest is still itching and scaling as it was. A slight change for the better in the redness. I have just finished my starter pack. I am hoping and praying for an end to the psoriasis. After reading these reviews, I am not as hopeful."

• rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Ohhhh crap, what a nightmare. This did soften my plaques. But after a week, I am quitting. 3 massive migraines. I thought the one I'm currently having would kill me. Went to the hospital. Typical diarrhea. I had massive tendon spasms last night. This drug is good for some, but not for me. This was my last hope."

• Aut...
• May 22, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I am 19 and started taking Otezla 4 months ago. The first 3 weeks had terrible stomach upset and loose stool. Also got headaches. Continued with meds as directed, and to this day, see no improvement. And still occasionally get GI upset. Now I am moving on to Stelara. I have severe plaque psoriasis, and without the use of my creams, I saw no improvement for Otezla and only gained stomach problems."

• cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "Went on starter pack of Otezla. Am on second week now, and hands are again horrible, swelling, splitting open and bleeding on almost every finger and one palm. Have it on feet also, but not nearly as bad. I am trying to hang on to see if it will turn around. I did have a headache and diarrhea last week, eating more before taking it. I am back on a tapering dose of Prednisone to help with the horrible symptoms. Trying to last a month with Otezla to see if it will, in fact, work for me, but trying to go on trips or be seen out and about is not easy when everyone focuses on your hands and their leprosy-like appearance. Luckily, my work friends are very supportive, even bringing in lotions they made and holistic medicines for me."

• SFS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I am coming up on 2 months of using Otezla. So far, I am thrilled with my results. Some of the psoriasis spots have completely gone away, others have faded, and the white flaky buildup is gone. Winter is the really bad time for me, and it looks better, a light pink. I had headaches and stress headaches the first 2 to 3 weeks and thought the pain was not worth it, but they went away. I also had loose stools and waking up a few times a night where I am completely awake for an hour or two. I have also had 2 colds this winter, and I usually get 1 the entire season (not sure if related)."

• dbk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been taking Otezla for over a year. Usually take 30 mg daily, but sometimes 60 mg when skin gets worse, and sometimes 15 mg when side effects are too awful and/or skin is better. Worked amazing for me in the beginning and totally cleared my skin, including scalp plaque that I've had since a teenager (I'm 45 years old). However, side effects have been bad and have never let up. Did not have depression, but definitely lots of reflux, with burping, burning, etc., especially at night. Gross, watery stool with constant urgency and having to race to the toilet after everything I eat. Sometimes helps to take the pill with a big meal - but not always. Have also had some headaches. Also, just a weird feeling of nausea and unwellness - usually passes after a few hours. Recently developed an extremely itchy rash (torso, arms, legs, feet), and this may be the last straw for this drug."

• Tra...
• November 11, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have suffered from plaque psoriasis for 20 years. I have tried creams, biologics, etc. Nothing worked for long, or it had severe side effects. After several years of no medical treatment, I contacted my dermatologist to see if there was something else to try. I'm so glad I did. My skin is 90% clear, the best it's looked in decades. Side effects are an upset stomach and loose stools. I make sure I take a dose with food and early in the day. If I take it too late in the day, I will not sleep soundly."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "Been on one month now, and I'm now 75% clear, which I can tolerate. The first few days did have slight nausea and diarrhea, but nothing severe! No headaches, no sleep problems, no depression, and haven't had any more nausea or diarrhea. Has cleared scalp, legs, back, and even nail psoriasis 100%. I'm only left with my stubborn spots on knees and elbows, but the scaling and redness has improved greatly, only thin scales and slight discoloration left on those stubborn problem areas, which I can live with. Happy with this drug and hope it continues!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2023

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have suffered from plaque psoriasis for years. I have tried topical creams and over-the-counter creams that did nothing. My psoriasis had gotten so terrible that I was desperate. My hands would bleed constantly. It was miserable. I decided to see a dermatologist, and she immediately diagnosed me and got me started on Otezla. Otezla has been amazing at clearing up my plaque psoriasis! Within three weeks, I was clearing up significantly. The only problem I had was the side effects. My side effects were awful! I had terrible diarrhea, nausea, and a migraine for the first nine days. It was so miserable I kept having to convince myself to stay on it! I'm so glad I did. I 100% recommend Otezla to everyone. The side effects are normal! Just push through!"

• Tex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I’m one week into my starter pack. I don’t usually have side effects from my many other meds I’m taking, but Otezla is much different. The side effects for me are exactly the same as when I had Covid. I have diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, extreme weakness, and tiredness. They are lowering the dosage to see if that helps the symptoms. If I don’t get some relief pretty quickly, I’m not sure I’m going to continue this medication. The cure is worse than the disease."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I gave it a try for 2 months, but the abdominal pain, diarrhea, and pounding headaches never went away. I verified that you can cut the pills to try to taper up the dosage, and they start you on smaller dosed pills to begin with anyway. After 2 months, I never got up to the full dose, and my side effects never got better. I did try taking the full dose and had rapid diarrhea and had a pounding headache that lasted 3 days. It was less successful than 3 of the 4 TNF-alpha inhibitors I had tried and less effective than Xeljanz (tofacitinib) at treating my psoriatic arthritis."

• CW9...
• June 4, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was given this medication after my insurance stopped covering Enbrel (which worked awesome for me) at the beginning of 2015. To me, this medication was the worst of all worst for my body. While taking this medication, I experienced every side effect that it stated and never subsided. I experienced massive headaches, diarrhea, and MAJOR weight loss. I had lost 10 - 15 pounds within a 3-month period. Now that it has been almost a year and a half, I am STILL struggling to gain my weight back. The extreme weight loss now has caused joint issues that have prevented me from doing my daily routine activities. It didn't do much for my plaque psoriasis either. I wouldn't suggest this medication to anyone."

• Swe...
• July 9, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I loved Otezla! Sadly, I am an asthmatic - the multiple respiratory infections and the persistent coughing were too much - Oddly, my pulmonologist read up on the drug and it has been used to treat respiratory conditions, but it triggered my asthma - psoriasis went away! Skin looked amazing! Some diarrhea - but would have sacrificed that for the amazing results - wish there was an alternative."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I had started Otezla and had the typical nausea and loose stool but was completely tolerable until I hit the 8th day, and then I had a rare reaction to this medication. I experienced severe dizziness, thought blocking, cluster migraine, extreme vomiting, and uncontrollable bowel movements and could not function. I had to cancel two days of work because my dizziness, a headache, and thought blocking were so bad. I became completely dehydrated. Of course, my doctor said to stop the medication immediately. I am now about a month post and still do not feel well - I had a minor bout of depression - constant tearfulness for no reason, and I am battling some sort of fatigue. I am an educated professional and have dealt with psoriasis for my entire life - this was my first time agreeing to take a medication orally. It was a horrific experience. Anything that can cause this type of violent reaction in my mind is unhealthy."

• sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "Ladies and gentlemen, I have been using Otezla for at least 45 days. At first, it was making me run to the bathroom all the time, gave me the runs. Then, around a month into the drug, I started experiencing headaches after every use. I stopped after about 45 days, I didn't want to be damaging my brain. And after all the symptoms, no signs of clearing. Although I haven't had any arthritis, but not worth the headache, literally."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "By the time I finished the starter pack (2 weeks), I was already showing signs of improvement. Two weeks later, I was 99% clear. A little bit of loose stools, but no depression (so far). I've cut back to one tablet per day, but it's too early to see if it comes back."

• Jim...
• January 24, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "All was okay while I was taking Enbrel injections, and then after months my doctor told me to take a new medicine that was safer. So I took Otezla. I took the starter kit and continued to 2 pills per day. Nausea, diarrhea, and headaches started then. The doctor told me that in the first month all these things happen. Then, after 2 months, I had brutal headaches, fatigue, and pain in some of my fingers, my legs, and also in my back. The back pain is the worst of all. I wake up early every morning with strong back pain. When I cough, I also have pain. First, I thought that the pain was because of the bed, then I realized that it was the side effects of the medicine. I still continue the therapy and am waiting to change back to injections."

• Thr...
• September 30, 2021

For Plaque Psoriasis "Have you ever felt like you had the flu, morning sickness, and needed a toilet strapped to your rear end? Welcome to Otezla! I'm a 49-year-old healthy female with great blood work, no obesity, and overall decent health besides plaque psoriasis. I tried Otezla for three weeks! Not only did I feel like someone kicked my ass during the whole three weeks, I also felt like I couldn't go anywhere without an emergency exit for my rear end. Nausea? Yup. Diarrhea? Yup. Headache? Yup. Fatigue? Yup. I normally walk 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. I was lucky to get over 3,000 with Otezla. I've been living off ginger ale and crackers for the most part. When I do eat 'real food,' my stomach is tied up in knots, and I either throw up or poop. Or both. Usually, it's both. The amount of sleep I have lost, the meals I haven't enjoyed, and the minimal effect it's had on my psoriasis are not worth it. At all."