Otezla and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Cou...
• September 3, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I am day 5 into the starter pack, and I have to tap out. It gives me headaches. It causes nausea, and the second I eat something, it causes loose, somewhat urgent bowel movements. The worst part, though, is the acid reflux thing going on. I am burping often and cannot sleep due to the burn. It's so uncomfortable, and I have been popping Rolaids like Tic Tacs. My doctor thought it would help with my nail psoriasis since it is so difficult to get rid of. I did have pretty stubborn psoriasis on my elbows that has never gone away with anything, and it took about a month for my insurance to approve the Otezla, so in the meantime, he did give me Clobex spray to try, and it's the best thing I've ever used. My elbows were clear in two weeks, as well as the rest of my body, and I have not used it in a week since we started Otezla, and nothing has come back. I am going to ask for more of this and try to use it more aggressively on the nails."

• Hau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "When ointments are not as effective as they used to be, I started researching other treatments for psoriasis. It's a constant battle on my head, and wearing black is becoming more difficult. I'm not considering injection therapy, so Otezla seemed the perfect solution. Side effects began on day 2 and started to subside after 2 weeks. However, the tension headaches got worse, and I stopped treatment after 2 1/2 weeks. I saw little impact on my psoriasis, but I probably didn't take it long enough. However, my psoriatic arthritis was completely gone, which of course is acting up again. I so wished this would have worked for me."

• Sev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2023

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Ever since I started this a few weeks ago, I wake up with terrible headaches, vivid dreams, and night sweats. I can live with nausea, but the upper belly back pain and indigestion are too much. Not sure so far if it is worth what I’m living with."

• Hey...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 10, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "Have had psoriasis for 42 years, legs, arms, trunk. Afraid to take biologics because of side effects. Started Otezla and started clearing patches up on arms and trunk after 6 weeks, had light headaches and loose stools for a couple weeks but subsided. I've been on it for 15 months and it's not clearing up any more of my skin. It seems stalled after starting out so well. I thought it was finally the miracle for psoriasis, but it doesn't seem to be. The maker of Otezla actually pays for mine 100%, and I have insurance that would not cover it at first, but they will now."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I'm five days in and had to stop taking Otezla due to the horrible side effects from this drug. I'm having every side effect you could think of: nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, pain in my upper stomach so bad it was unbearable, and chest pains. I haven't spoken to my rheumatologist yet, but I chose on my own to stop taking this drug. Nothing helped for pain, and I couldn't keep any food or liquids down. Joint pain, as well as back pain, started getting worse."

• Fro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis for 30 years. Last year, Fumaderm successfully cleared my psoriasis, but unfortunately, it lowered my white blood cell count, so I had to come off it. The dermatologist suggested Otezla. I was on it for three months, and during this time, my psoriasis has flared up, and it was never as bad as it is now. I have it on my arms for the first time, and I am devastated that I can't wear short sleeves. I had gotten used to being able to wear skirts and shorts. My skin is sore and itchy. We are all unique and different, and I am very happy for those that saw an improvement. For me, it was a flop. The side effects were bearable and were just headaches and sleeplessness."

• KBo...
• January 16, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I'm writing this review because I know how much I relied on them when I was trying to decide if I would start Otezla. I have only been on Otezla for 16 days. I am taking 30 mg 2x a day...seems like maybe I skipped the starter pack? Headaches and nausea the first 2 weeks. Aspirin helps. A little bit of loose stools and loss of appetite, but those have gone away by now. I have not experienced any depression. It does seem like my scalp is clearing up, but my shins/legs are my big problem area. So far, I haven't seen much improvement on them. I will report back in April unless something awesome happens before then. This lotion is great: First Aid Beauty: ULTRA REPAIR CREAM INTENSE HYDRATION."

• red...
• May 25, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "On day 14 of Otezla. The usual occasional headaches that I have been plagued with for years are now daily and can be quite intense, which is resulting in lost sleep. The nausea is almost constant. I was hoping for some weight loss, none yet. No diarrhea, in fact, it seems to be the opposite at times. My red spots on legs, arms, feet, and hands have doubled. It's the start of summer, and I am so discouraged. I wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants every day. I am constantly paranoid about my skin, and I stand a certain way so people won't see my ghastly looking feet. I don't like anyone walking behind me. I'm stubborn, so I will stick with it for now and just live with a headache, nausea, and lots of red spots."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2017

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been taking Otezla for psoriatic arthritis as well as psoriasis. At first, I thought it was a miracle drug helping with the pain and the patches. I did have terrible (and I mean terrible) problems with my stomach. While it improved slightly, after a year and a half, it still kills my stomach. I am going to get off of it because it stopped helping with the pain, and my skin is worsening. I stuck with it despite the nonstop bowel movements (and headaches) because I thought it was helping, but now that I'm reverting back, it isn't worth the nearly debilitating side effects."

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Started taking Otezla 12 days ago. I have experienced headache, nausea, fatigue, swollen and painful joints, upper right abdominal pain, swollen belly on the right side, feet pain, back pain, mild diarrhea, no ambition, hoarseness, light-colored stools. I still have to take indomethacin for joint inflammation and pain. I thought this drug would relieve my pain and prevent inflammation and further joint damage, instead, it has made it worse. I don't see the advantage of continuing to use it along with an anti-inflammatory drug. I might as well stick with indomethacin."

• TBB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 20, 2023

For Plaque Psoriasis "Otezla has changed my life! I have been taking it for over a year. Prior to taking Otezla, I experienced severe scalp psoriasis and lost over 50% of my hair due to the constant scratching and picking at the scales. I was miserable. After 4 weeks, I saw an improvement, and after 4 months, my scalp was clear!! I have only had two “outbreaks” in the past year, and they have been very mild. My hair has grown back, my scalp is clear, and I am pain-free and happy. Otezla worked for me. I only experienced side effects in the first three weeks of nausea and headaches. No side effects since then."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "This product worked well for me. The type of psoriasis I have is very painful. With the starter pack, within the first 15 days, I was already getting a tremendous benefit. The worst side effects that I had were headache, diarrhea, and insomnia. For the record, the insomnia has stayed with me even after I have taken it for a while. It is a tremendous relief to not be in pain because my pustular psoriasis was on the bottom of my feet and the palms of my hands. Grateful."

• GAg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "My dermatologist put me on Otezla for granuloma annulare. Mine is rare in that it is widespread and 'recalcitrant.' I have been on it for almost 2 weeks now. I have nausea and bathroom urgency throughout the day, though it is lessening as the days go by. I have not yet reached the full dose as I was instructed to take a dose only on a full stomach and I am too nauseous to eat two large meals a day. So I'm up to 30 mg once a day. The headaches have mostly subsided, so it gives me hope that I will get acclimated to the other side effects. However, I am so uncomfortable and full of aches and pains and exhaustion that I can't tell if I'm depressed or not! I sure don't feel like doing anything at all. So time will tell. I revisit the derm at 5 weeks. So far, I have not noticed any changes in my GA lesions."

• flo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2021

For Plaque Psoriasis "I started Otezla 6 weeks ago. The first weeks I had nonstop headaches, nausea, and stiff joints. With my doctor's approval, I backed down from the recommended 60 mg to 30 mg, and the side effects greatly improved. My skin was improving too! But then... the acid reflux hit. Brutal acid reflux, which aggravates my asthma, and those two together are not tolerable. I've had issues with GERD in the past, so Otezla is not all to blame. Just know if you are prone to GERD, Otezla may aggravate it even more so. I stopped Otezla 5 days ago. Acid reflux slowly improving with OTC meds. Disappointed that I could not continue with Otezla. Even with the lower dosage, my skin was looking much better."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2024

For Plaque Psoriasis "I started on Otezla about 2 months ago. It's done wonders for my psoriatic arthritis and my psoriasis. However, I'm considering stopping the medication. The diarrhea, headaches, and vomiting continue. The worst part is the fatigue. I have zero energy and no ambition. I've had psoriasis for 61 years, and topical meds no longer work."

• Jbu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I started taking Otezla last week. I have had severe diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and mild dizziness. My doctor told me to wait until all symptoms disappear, then start with one pill and see. I don’t know how I’m going to tolerate this drug."

• Spe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2022

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been taking this medication for 10 weeks now. My psoriasis has progressively gotten worse. I'm about 90% covered. I'm miserable. The nausea, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, muscle cramps, stinging itching pain... Yeah, I need to get off of this medication. I've become agoraphobic, I don't want anyone to see me like this. I'm miserable."

• Mar...
• November 13, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I'm 62 years old with a complicated medical history. I have chronic pain (RSD), diabetes, and now plaque psoriasis (mainly scalp). I began with the Otezla starter pack, increasing the dose even slower than the pack. I've never had side effects, but Otezla changed that. I had headaches, loose stool, and stomach pains. My insurance denied paying, and at $3000 a month, I couldn't afford it. I stopped for two weeks and then got more samples. I used the starter pack dosing since I had already used Otezla. Big mistake. My stomach was on fire every time I ate. I stopped again for 2 weeks and restarted very slowly. Doing much better, and it's helping. However, if insurance doesn't cover it, I have to stop. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯"

• 38y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "Started Otezla 2 weeks ago. A few mild headaches but can’t be sure it was due to the drug. Interesting changes in skin on feet, hands, elbows, and knees—less flaky, thinner. Feet itch like crazy later in the day and after the evening shower, even with non-toxic cleanser, warm water with cold water rinse. Hoping a longer trial of this medication will bring results."

• che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I feel like the ground is moving under me. I have headaches and diarrhea. My hands hurt a lot, I wear white gloves to try to protect them. It would be better to learn what is causing it than to be medicated. I am not as happy as I was before this medicine. Why can they make this medicine, but not know what is wrong?"

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2022

For Behcet's Disease "Was on Otezla for 2 and 1/2 months. Tried to hang in there. The mouth ulcers got worse, then I noticed a spot on my leg... Not sure if it has anything to do with Behcet's. When the doctor said it was psoriasis. I'm going to a dermatologist tomorrow, it got to be about 2 inches long and an inch wide, and then another one appeared. My lip became very ulcerated, and I had vaginal ulcers, which I have not had for several years. I had diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. My doctor and I finally decided that after that length of time my body could not tolerate it. The doctor decided that I needed to go on a prednisone regimen. It cleared up my mouth, but my lips kept getting worse. I am off the prednisone now for 2 days, and now I'm getting more ulcers in my mouth. I wish I had never heard of this drug."

• Tin...
• July 16, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was on Otezla for 4 months. I experienced the headaches that every person seems to be getting, but I was willing to fight through those if the medication worked. I never saw any clearing, but I did get a horrible rash all over my chest and back. It went away after I went off it. Don't take this med! Unfortunately, I also have Crohn's disease and take Humira - which works wonders for the Crohn's but doesn't affect my psoriasis at all. I'm stuck with the topicals and Kenalog injections again."

• Sum...
• January 16, 2022

For Plaque Psoriasis "I started Otezla yesterday morning, trying to treat scalp psoriasis. I have had severe diarrhea since yesterday afternoon, lasting all through the night. I also developed a severe headache and nausea, though I have not vomited yet. Since I’ve only had 1 pill and been this sick from it, it’s not for me. I’m sad I can’t take this medication, as I really had high hopes."

• Cai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 31, 2021

For Plaque Psoriasis "I recently went off Otezla after a year of use because not only did it not even help, my psoriasis got so much worse. The plaques I already had got thicker and larger, and just before I stopped taking it, my entire chest and neck broke out in over 20 new spots, and people kept telling me it looked like I was breaking out with a rash. I had to go back to using my greasy steroid cream, but I can't use it on every spot or I'd go through a tube a day. And now I have to suffer with rebound rosacea on my face due to a reaction from the steroids. And since I am one of the lucky few who get psoriasis on their eyelids, I now have to get a different ointment to use on my face, and it burns like mad. And my insurance doesn't want to cover it without jumping through hoops every time I need a refill because, without insurance, one tube costs $330. My life is now more miserable since Otezla because along with all of the side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, and headaches, I got none of the benefits."

• Iva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2023

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have to say that this is not for me. Side effects after the second day: diarrhea, headache, nausea, and today was the worst day after 10 days. I had diarrhea and vomiting at the same time! lol, it was really disgusting, so I'm gonna stop taking this. I did not notice an improvement in my psoriasis. I will continue to use my betamethasone ointments. Good luck!"