Otezla User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Tri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been on Otezla going on my 4th year. I had plaque psoriasis and swelling of joints. I was nauseous for maybe 2 weeks when I started. My ring finger was a size nine, and now it’s a size five. That’s how much swelling has gone down for me. All my plaque was completely gone by the 3rd month, which included my whole head, my ears, and unmentionable parts! I don’t have depression or any other side effects. For me, this drug is amazing!"

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "So far, I have had none of the side effects they warn you about. Pain and swelling are reduced. The only downside is that it could take up to 16 weeks to receive the full benefits. Wish it worked quicker."

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Was on the starter pack of Otezla, progressively ramping up the dose. Nausea, diarrhea, and eventually vomiting as I reached higher doses. I don't think I was on it long enough to notice any positive effect because the side effects were debilitating and left me nearly bed (toilet?) ridden. Maybe you'll have better luck than me :/ If you are someone who is sensitive to meds and/or generally gets side effects, keep that in mind."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 18, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "Because of another medical condition, I am unable to use the biologic drugs. I have been taking Otezla since March 2018. Within 2-3 months, all the outbreak areas were clear. I need to use a topical on the hairlines of my scalp occasionally. I had already had digestive issues before taking Otezla and had a real issue at the end of last year. Stopping Otezla temporarily did not relieve the symptoms, so I restarted it. The digestive issues are mostly gone now as I retired and lost a lot of stress. I also take a really good probiotic since my gut was an issue. I also use a liquid supplement for my joints and drink electrolyte-enhanced water. The diarrhea caused dehydration and severe muscle pain, so adding the electrolytes made a huge difference. Since I started, I have lost 35 pounds. It started slow but seems to be picking up. I have plenty of weight left I can lose, believe me. Eating healthier helps with energy levels."

• big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "Started Otezla for psoriasis, and at first was convinced that finally, after suffering with psoriasis for over 50 years, I had discovered a cure. Well, was I wrong. After 1 month of runny nose, heartburn, and lower back pain, I had a sore throat and excessive mucus. Saw my PCP, and she diagnosed me with an upper respiratory infection and started to treat it with antibiotics for 10 days. After 3 days, I had difficulty swallowing and felt worse. Revisited the PCP 2 more times and was not getting better. Out of desperation, I discontinued the Otezla, and after 2 days, I was much better-no more runny nose, no more heartburn, and did not feel depressed by not feeling well. Unfortunately, within 4 days of stopping the Otezla, my psoriasis came back in places I never had it before, so I don't know what's next. Prior to Otezla, I had been on Enbrel for 20 years, and it stopped being effective."

• lha...
• July 12, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have tried other medications, and nothing worked. This medication started working very quickly. I loved it was oral and not a shot. I was starting to give up and thought I would have to quit working. I was 35 years old with 2 young girls. I was not ready to give up."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "This worked very well, but I had bad nausea and diarrhea, so 2 months in, almost ALL my psoriasis was gone. So I stopped taking it for a week, the side effects were gone, BUT the psoriasis just returned, and worse. If you can handle feeling like you want to throw up all the time and soil yourself at any given time, try it. What they don't tell you in the ads is, yeah, it works, but you'll probably have to take this med for the rest of your life. If you stop, the psoriasis will return even worse. Anyway, this has been my experience."

• acm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 26, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Otezla had recently been approved. After three months on Otezla, my skin was mostly clear (psoriasis returned fast post-Embril). I was able to stop ibuprofen completely. The pain was reduced to 1/10. Anti-nausea meds helped with stomach discomfort of Otezla side effects. Fourteen months in, the nausea was getting worse, lasting all day. Tremors. Appetite non-existent. Fatigue and anxiety increasing to unbearable levels. Spending more time in bed than not. Pain returning to joints... especially hands, feet, and lower back. Stopped Otezla three weeks ago. Appetite is back, nausea and diarrhea gone. Anxiety minimal. Energy level much higher. Was only going to stop Otezla for two weeks. I believe I am done with Otezla. Quality of life decision."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I've been on Otezla for 3 weeks now, and all I can say is that this drug really works. I've been suffering from psoriasis for 6 years now. It mostly affected my scalp, but it also started to spread to the rest of my body. After just 3 weeks, the patches on my skin began to fade. My scalp is still scaly and itchy, but I can already see the improvement in that area too. As for side effects, I had some slight headaches and stomach aches at the beginning and more frequent bowel movements, but it didn't really affect my daily life whatsoever. I would really recommend this drug to anyone whose life has been affected by plaque psoriasis."

• JM9...
• November 22, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Otezla since February. My insurance would not cover it, so I am part of the company's bridge program. My psoriasis is completely gone--I haven't had normal, clear skin since I was a baby, and I am 36. I finally can wear shorts and tank tops without being self-conscious that my scaly, red skin is ugly and people are looking at it. When I first started the medication, I did have some bad headaches and nausea. It went away after a few weeks if you just stick with it. I recently went away and forgot to bring the Otezla with me, so I didn't take it for about 5 days, and now that I am back on it, I have headaches and nausea again, but I anticipate that they will subside like they did before. I haven't had any other side effects."

• Wat...
• October 1, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "When I started Otezla, I was having moderate arthritis effects. Right away I had head and neck pain. Throughout the 4 months I was on it, I lost 10 lbs, had no appetite, nausea, bad flu flares, sometimes rapid heartbeat, and no discernible relief. At the 4-month mark, I experienced a massive spasming of my scalp and neck muscles. As in tetany. You need your neck to sit up, lay down, walk, drive. I couldn't do anything. I like to think my pain threshold is high, but this brought me to my knees. I've been on more prednisone with Otezla than ever before, just to counteract all the flares and tendon pain. I'm off Otezla now for 4 days and still cannot move my neck properly. I hope with time it goes away. No benefits, lots of aggravation. Not a good med for."

• Tim...
• May 6, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "Works great! Slight headache to start, which doesn't last. After 4 months, 80% clear, and I had psoriasis over 75% of my body. Now, after 6 months on it, I am 99% clear. Unbelievable! This med has worked for me, and I take/use nothing else in conjunction."

• CGK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Just started taking Otezla on March 20th. I started out with the low dosage, and I am now currently at 30 mg twice a day. In 6 days, I have lost 4 pounds, mainly from the diarrhea, and have had some headaches. However, I will keep going with this as I am waking up with no stiffness or pain from the psoriatic arthritis, which is a huge bonus. The only thing I really need to watch is the insomnia. Last night was not a good night for me as I tossed and turned all night, but that very well could be from the prednisone I am also taking, but only for another week or so. I am hopeful Otezla will continue to work for me because I refuse to take biologics that my doctor wanted to put me on."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

• EJV...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 5, 2024

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

• Lyn...
• August 19, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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."

• Dea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 1, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I am 60, and I have had Psoriatic Arthritis since I was 20. So, 40 years of trying all kinds of topical medications, cortisone creams, sunlight and UVB treatments, Dead Sea trips, and eventually Methotrexate. 6 months ago, my dermatologist suggested I try Otezla. My insurance refused to pay for it and suggested all kinds of biologic medications. I refused the biologic meds after reading of dangerous side effects. Otezla approved me on a temporary bridge program while we are fighting the insurance. Initial results were astonishing. Both the arthritis pain and the psoriasis were gone! I stopped taking the Methotrexate. About 3 months after I started taking Otezla, some psoriasis patches came back, though the arthritic pain is minimal."

• Car...
• July 13, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "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

For Plaque Psoriasis "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..."