Otezla User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Hsa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "Today is day 10 of my starter pack. I have to say that I was very afraid to take this medication because of the reviews. There were only a few that were positive. But so far, so good. Small headaches, but I get them anyway. I think I’ve run to the bathroom once. I always take medicine after eating. It has definitely helped more than hurt. If it changes, then I will re-review this. But so far, I’m happy, and I can tell a change in my psoriasis this early. Nothing has helped as much as Otezla, the creams are for the birds. CBD didn’t help. Enbrel didn’t help, and it hurt more than helped. The only thing that is relatable to this treatment is tanning bed sessions at the local parlor when I don’t do, because that will hurt more than help in the end. So I’m very pleased. Don’t knock it before you try it. Trust me, it’s helped, and again I’m 10 days in."

• Car...
• April 25, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had severe psoriasis on my arms, legs, knees, back around, my waist, my buttocks, inside my urinary tract, and scalp. I work with middle school students, and some would ask questions about the thick plaque on my body. Some were sweet, some fearful that they would catch it, and some couldn't have cared less. After taking the Otezla pills, I saw rapid improvement within a few days. I also sparingly use endear spray, not often. The first two weeks, I either vomited or had diarrhea after I took the Otezla pills. After two weeks, I started taking the pill one hour after breakfast and one hour after dinner. No problems now. This pill has been a miracle pill for me. My entire body has healed up. My depression has gone, and I feel smooth."

• 1 m...
• April 15, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was reluctant to try this, but after 20+ years of fighting psoriasis, I figured it was worth a try. I read all the reviews first, so I'm contributing to the database for others. I had some stomach discomfort for a few days, some brain fog, and a few nights of bad sleep. My skin started to clear by day 5 (not sure about nails yet), but I really struggled with the afternoon second dose, so I'm sticking to just 1 tab in the AM and nothing else. That keeps my skin about 80% clear, and I can take care of the rest via topical steroids. A month into this, and I still feel a little 'high' after my AM tab, but very happy with the results. Good luck."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I did read reviews before starting Otezla and was scared of the adverse reactions mentioned in almost every review. I am taking Otezla for a month now. I do not see any changes in my psoriasis yet, but I don't have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Just a mild headache, manageable. A couple of nights of light insomnia, but it went away in a week. I am kept going, will see how it works."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "My doctor gave me 2 starter packs, so I could slowly work my way up to tolerance without side effects. After about two weeks on the starter dose, I had noticeably clearer skin. I also had throbbing headaches, fatigue, and severe diarrhea. After 2.5 months (still not taking the full dose), the headaches are not a problem, but acid reflux, diarrhea, fatigue, and extreme (sometimes debilitating) nausea are issues. I love the clear skin, but cannot tolerate constantly feeling sick, so yesterday I took Otezla for the last time."

• Ote...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 24, 2017

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Have been taking this for almost 2 years now. For me, it works great. Had some of the side effects initially - nausea, lack of appetite, headaches, and loose stools. But all of those side effects are gone now. I have had almost no PSA flares, and my blood work is absolutely perfect. Everyone is different, but for me right now, and for the past 2 years, this drug has been fantastic."

• eer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was okay with pushing through the vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and headaches. Then all of a sudden, the muscles in my legs cramped and seized up. Unrelenting, excruciating pain for 3 days. Went to a sports medicine clinic. They gave me a shot and muscle relaxers. Things started to improve. Well, yesterday, Christmas Eve, my muscles in my legs, then in my arms and hands, started up. I started getting pustular psoriasis in places I never had it. Horrible. Cannot sleep. I purposefully missed a dose of this stuff to see what would happen, and after about 12 hours it faded. Needless to say, it ruined my Christmas, and I’m stopping this drug."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have severe psoriatic arthritis, but I do not have the rash. I've been on this medicine for just a week, but I notice improvement already. I am pretty nauseous all the time, and it seems like I may lose weight because of it... But, frankly, I need to lose 110 lbs anyway, so... win-win?"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have psoriasis on the soles of my feet only. Tried steroid cream to not much luck. Doc started me on Otezla, but after 20 days, the side effects are horrible. Missed work from headaches, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, and joint pain. Joint pain started just 3 days ago with starting at the shoulders, then elbows, wrist in right arm, now going to left arm. Eating Tums like Tic Tacs candy."

• Chu...
• January 29, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "My psoriasis healed quickly, however, three weeks into the starter packs, I developed what I can only describe as interior tremors. It's been 2 months with no medication, and I still feel like I'm shaking inside anytime that I sit still. It's hard to visually see, but my wife can hold my arm and feel me shaking. I would not recommend this medication."

• Har...
• January 9, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "The percentages here are pretty close to what the clinical trials have shown. Only about 30-35% of people get to 75% clear. That's roughly the same percentage of people who gave a 7 or higher review. But the severity of some of the side effects is certainly concerning, as is the development of even worse psoriasis when the drug is stopped (and sometimes before). At best, it is a tricky cost/benefit call. Mainly comes down to whether someone is feeling lucky! Or not."

• joe...
• September 21, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "Was on Enbrel and about 95% clear after over 40 years of itch... Side effects were not bad, stinging on injection... Some bruising after 5 years... And needle aversion. I just started getting emotional every time I was going to inject... So I asked the doc for Otezla... All those slow-mo commercials couldn't be lying, could they? After 13 days of Otezla, the headache was constant and unpleasant... Do you know the sugar headache one gets after drinking too much red wine from the day prior? How about that headache every minute of the day? The nausea came on too... An acid reflux I never experienced in my life... Nothing could get me to endure that every day. I wasn't vomiting, but I was 99% uncomfortable. Stopped Otezla 13 days into the titration pack... Threw it in the garbage along with my 30-day bottle. Filed a formal complaint with the FDA.gov site too. Was thinking about Cosyntx, but I'm not sure after reading those reviews. These reviews for Otezla are dismal and accurate."

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "For my psoriasis, keep it under control, but for my arthritis, omg, it's like having a new life. My bones stop hurting, and I can walk more than ever. Otezla should be for arthritis more than psoriasis."

• Jul...
• November 29, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "Side effects went away completely after a few weeks. My severe skin psoriasis of 30 years is 75% gone. It took 2-3 months to fully work. That 75% clearance is not perfect, but it means so much to me. The monster dandruff is greatly reduced. My scalp is no longer flaming red lizard skin. The plaques on my forehead and neck are now light pink patches. I no longer frantically itch all day. I look healthy! Otezla appears to interfere with the absorption of anti-depressants or counteract it, but increasing the antidepressant dose a bit fixed the problem for me immediately. Take Otezla with crackers or a half a bagel, it helped calm the stomach. Also, ask about the zero co-pay program, it took 5 minutes to register, and I save $85 monthly."

• Jef...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Otezla for almost a year now for skin psoriasis. At first, it started working and clearing my skin, then it started to come back in the spring of 2019. Then when August came around, all of a sudden, all my psoriasis is gone, even the pustules are gone! On my hands, shins, and elbows, my hands have normal color and softness again. I take one pill a day, I was prescribed to take 2 a day, but with the side effects like diarrhea at times and some minor headaches. I have had more stiffness lately, but my skin is clear, and I don't use the topical creams anymore. I see my dermatologist in January and will go from there."

• kol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was prescribed this drug after methotrexate caused liver damage. I started it in June 2018 mainly for my psoriatic arthritis. Within the first week, I was able to ditch my cane and could walk on my own, and pain was all but eliminated. That being said, I did have fairly mild side effects for about 2 weeks. I was having bowel movements multiple times a day, and nothing was solid for that 2-week period. I did lose quite a bit of my appetite for about a month or 2. I thankfully did not have any nausea or anything. Flare-ups still caused issues, however, they were much more manageable. That being said, it did nothing for my psoriasis at all, which was a little disappointing. Towards the end of December 2018, the drug has become less effective. I have new joints showing symptoms of arthritis and am going to my specialist this coming Friday to discuss options. While it lasted, it was a miracle drug. I got about 6-7 months of solid relief, hence the 7 rating. Worth a try if your doctor recommends it."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been taking Otezla since October 2018. Within a few weeks, I have seen results, I no longer have patches anywhere on my body-100% gone. Some side effects I do have are tension headaches. Not every day, but only once a week. This prescription says no need to take with meals, but I have to eat something before I take it in the morning, else I'll feel dizzy and jittery. Overall, I'm so happy with the results. After dealing with psoriasis for so many years, I finally can wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts (:"

• GoS...
• August 7, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Rashes in the crotch area for at least 5 years. Rash on the chest for decades. Acne for 55 years. Scaly patches on arms, legs, back for 10-15 years. Pitted, dry fingernails for 30 years. Dry eyes, dry mouth. Dupuytren’s contracture for several-maybe 5-10 years. Lower back pain for over 40 years. Severed shoulder tendon. Both Achilles tendons sore. In the past 40 years, only have had 2 or 3 pain-free days. I have read 4 pages of reviews. My heart goes out to you all. To us all. This is an unpredictable disease. Yesterday was day 4, 20mg + 20mg, and I had marked relief in hand and finger pain. Although swelling has not abated. I had a mild and short-lived headache, and mild but longer-lived stomach pain. Today I awoke with more swelling in my fingers than ever, painful-but not more pain than ever. I took 20mg + 30mg today. Swelling and pain both decreasing as the day wears on. Mild stomach pain-short-lived. Stronger and longer headaches, but easily tolerable."

• Kas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I had a little bit of an upset stomach once and two nights where I didn't get a full night's sleep. Otezla worked within days, and I am 99% clear. After 30 years of psoriasis affecting almost every area of my life in some way, I am enjoying such relief."

• Wia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "After failing Enbrel and Humira, my doc moved me to a different class. Otezla has been great for my severe psoriasis on the palms of my hands and psoriatic arthritis. I went from 100% coverage with extremely painful lesions, unable to use my hands, to 100% clearance in three weeks. My rheumatologist and I both are amazed with the results. I will put up with the side effects as the massive improvement makes it all worth it. Side effects I've had: headaches/migraines, indigestion, stomach pain, loose stools, and nausea. All but headaches have started to subside as of my 3rd week in! Very, very happy here!!"

• Spo...
• June 3, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Started Otezla 4 months ago. I had had a strep throat that caused me to develop guttate psoriasis, which I've never had before. That alongside my psoriatic arthritis and regular psoriasis. I was pretty much covered head-to-toe and miserable. After having six months of methotrexate, I really didn't want to be back on a med. The pain from it all got unbearable, so I went in for an appointment and was recommended Otezla because of my concerns with some of the stronger medicines. At first, it felt similar to methotrexate with the nausea and stomach issues, so I was used to that. However, I am now almost 5 months in, and at 40 years old, I feel like my memory is gone. I've never had any issues with my memory or fogginess. I have read that psoriatic arthritis can cause this, so who knows. All I know is that I can't take the nausea, the headaches, the GERD, and I believe severe memory issues. I am discontinuing it."

• jro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis since my early 40s and was always able to maintain it and occasionally send it into remission using topical steroids (Clobetasol). My dermatologist strongly recommended Otezla to me, and I was dumb enough to make the switch. It gave me wicked headaches, and I swear I'm more forgetful. After months of being on it, I watched my psoriasis progressively get worse, and worse, to the point there isn't a part of my body that doesn't show it now. 100% this is the result of being on Otezla, as it is the only thing that changed in my treatment. Otezla was the worst decision I have ever made, and by the volume of posts I'm now finding all over the internet, my experience is far from an anomaly. Stay away from Otezla."

• fhw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2019

For Behcet's Disease "I took this medication for 18 days and was really hoping the side effects would be minimal, as there are very few good choices for Behçet's disease (BD) and I do not want to take a biologic. Began with the starter pack. Diarrhea was the first side effect but was managed with Imodium. This was followed by increasing nausea, insomnia, and complete loss of appetite. Then crying jags set in. The final straw for me was the excruciating headaches that were not responsive to any medication. I became unable to work or function on this medication and had to discontinue. You couldn't pay me to take another dose."

• Fif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was diagnosed with PA in 2005. Was on MTX, Enbrel, Humira. In 2011, I was taken off the Enbrel because I developed basal cell carcinoma and was told that the BC was from the suppression of my immune system. Now the PA came back with a vengeance in July 2015. I went to my Rheum, and she told me of Otezla and started me on sample packs. She said it does not suppress the immune system, so of course I was so happy. Still, as of today, I am not approved by my ins co. They say I need to try Enbrel, Humira, and Stellara!!!! My Dr is running out of sample packs, and I am livid now because I just got off the phone with the Ins Supervisor, and she said Otezla does suppress the immune system and I should be trying the other 'Preferred Drugs'...HELLO???? HELP."

• nea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have had psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for 10 years. I have tried all kinds of creams, nothing has helped. Until this pill! OMG, I'm completely amazed at how much my psoriatic arthritis has improved with this pill. I would cry every day with pain in my joints. The pain I would have in my neck was so bad. This is an amazing pill, and everyone should try it. For my psoriasis, it has helped some, but for my psoriatic arthritis, it has been amazing. Plus, do the $0 copay because my insurance wanted $3,500 a month, and I couldn't do that at all. Thanks so much for this pill! It literally has saved my life from daily pain!"