Apremilast and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Bep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I am typing this on my phone at 6 am. Normally my hand and elbow hurt too badly first thing in the morning to even hold a coffee mug but I am on day 6 of Otezla and have woken up pain-free for the first time in a year! I had violent diarrhea on days 2 through 4, along with an annoying headache but both of those went away yesterday. Hopefully this is the beginning of a pain-free way of life. Too soon to know. I did feel compelled to share because some reviews are very scary. From the short time I've taken Otezla, I can tell that it is best taken on a full stomach. I think I can handle a little nausea from time to time if it means pain-free living. My psoriasis is already getting better too. Good luck to all."

• Wta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Otezla for 22 days for plaque psoriasis. I have been nauseous, had diarrhea, severe headaches, and muscle aches with my legs, lower back, and neck. Not able to sleep at night, even with sleeping pills and using a heating pad. I have missed several days of work. I decided today to go off the medication. I don’t feel I can tolerate the side effects. I don’t feel the psoriasis has improved that much. Not worth feeling rubbish like I am feeling!"

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 19, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "My doctor put me on Otezla for psoriatic arthritis over a year ago. The results were absolutely amazing! I had terrible itchy, scaly patches on my scalp and all in and outside of my ears. I also had a lot of joint pain. This drug eliminated all of that PLUS I lost 45 lbs. Now, it did cause diarrhea, but it wasn't unmanageable. I felt better than I have felt in years. I was lucky at that time to get this for a zero copay and stayed on it for a year. Unfortunately, I went on Medicare this year and am no longer eligible for the zero copay, and now my copay will be over $1,200/month, which I cannot possibly afford. I am heartbroken and all broken out again after getting off of it (plus gaining some of the weight back). I wish the drug manufacturer could somehow reduce the cost so it would be more affordable. Hopefully as time goes by, they will. But, if you can get it, please try it. I know you will be pleased."

• Kgi...
• February 19, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "I've been on Otezla for 3 months. Psoriasis cleared up within a month. Experienced weight loss, headaches (for the first few days), and diarrhea (for about a week). Overall, for me, it's worth the side effects, especially since they go away over time."

• Jor...
• July 30, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had severe plaque psoriasis on my scalp for 5 years and up until this medication, literally nothing had helped me. I did every topical, several drugs, and even a UV light to treat it. Once it spread to my body, I had had enough and was put on this medication. It has almost cleared up my psoriasis completely, and it works fast. However, the side effects for me have been horrific. I am terribly nauseous and have diarrhea literally every time I take it, this subsides within the hour, and I can carry on with my day. Yes, it's horrible, and I've considered stopping the medication, however, the fact that I haven't should be proof of just how well it works."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 28, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "Spontaneous remission! Well, almost. I have the pictures to prove it. Within a few weeks, I went from worst in my 55 years of psoriasis to overwhelming success. Once I made it through diarrhea, I am stellar. I have next to nothing now. Okay, every once in a while, I need a steroid on my butt crack and one stray dot here and there on a leg. One weird thing is because I had such bad P everywhere, I never knew I also have vitiligo, who would have guessed? I wish everyone would get my results. Thanks, Otezla!!"

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "This medicine began to work almost immediately. Mostly clear now except for a few spots. First time like this in 35 years. Only side effects have been bathroom visits are 2-3 a day now, loose stool. No Nausea or anything else."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I began with two starter kits so I can double the time to gradually get to 30 mg twice a day. I hate it! Pain went from a 5 to a 9 within a day or two of starting. Severe back pain all over, hip pain, tightness around my ribs, and joint pains come and go in places I didn’t have problems with prior to Otezla. I'm experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, terrible GERD started two days ago, thought I was having a mini heart attack, my blood pressure jumps high all of a sudden. The first day or two became extremely weak. That’s a bit better. I am not convinced I even need to be on this, but my rheumatologist recommended it because I’m 47 and have had scalp psoriasis since I was 16. (Guttate covered my body for months until methotrexate saved me!) I also have severe back injuries. He thinks it will prevent bone erosion in my spine that he explained happens with this autoimmune disease. But honestly, I want to quit...when the future hits, I can deal with that then... what do you think?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Have been on since approved by FDA in 2013. Previously on MTX and Enbrel, which I had to discontinue due to CMV and Epstein-Barr virus. Otezla works great on my joints and skin... BUT... I have lost 30#, now weight is 88-90#. SEVERE nausea, diarrhea. Am taking Lexapro, 10mg for depression. Cannot take 30mg bid, Dermatologist has reduced to 15mg hs. Still have the severe nausea, diarrhea, but much better. I am cutting the tabs in half. 10mg is manufactured for the titration dose, but can't get this for a maintenance dose. WHY NOT? So, I will continue to take 15mg daily because it works GREAT for severe PsA and psoriasis and I have no other options."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have only been on this med for 3 weeks, however, I am very happy with the results so far. Almost total clearing of plaques on my hands. I have fought psoriasis for many, many years, and this is the clearest my skin has been. The only side effect I have had is occasional nausea and diarrhea."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "When I first started taking the medicine, I experienced diarrhea as expected. My nausea began to get worse. I thought I would give it a chance and ride out the side effects. They started getting worse, I am four months into this. I have been very sick because of this medicine. I went three days without being able to hold a meal down without vomiting. I have lost 15 pounds since starting. This medicine reacted badly with me, the bad outweighs the bad for me. I hope no one else has to go through this."

• jel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "It has cleared 98 percent of my body. I still have some, like in my ears, but very small, and like two spots on both legs. But overall, I am happy. I still have pain in my ankles sometimes, but that only comes from where I work (in a hospital). Very seldom do I get nauseous or have diarrhea, but I would recommend this medicine to everyone because it worked for me."

• Pja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Terrible side effects of diarrhea, loss of appetite and energy, depression, neck stiffness, and back pain, increased psoriasis, and overall feeling punked out. This did not go away after a few weeks as predicted, but got worse until I had a blowout reaction. I also did not see much improvement in joint pain and swelling, and my psoriasis increased. Overall, I was disappointed with the medication!"

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis symptoms for 25 years. I tried Ultravate, Dovonex, and light with no success. Changed my diet, symptoms faded, a few spots here and there. I had strep and developed guttate psoriasis. Tried cyclosporine, was like dying each dose. BP climbed to 200/100 but cleared up. Strep throat again, onto prednisone. I gained weight, couldn't sleep, and was moody. Insurance refused Otezla. Doc put me on methotrexate. Methotrexate requires blood draws and liver biopsies; worked on the spots caused strong brain pain. Discontinued methotrexate, started Otezla. Initially diarrhea and headaches, the headaches ended after two or three weeks, the diarrhea lasted 3 weeks. The sores on my hands were the first to go, then the irritated skin on my forearms. It's been 4 weeks and the progress is slow but visible. I use the Otezla app to track the spots using photos. The wife noted she is seeing clearer skin also."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have psoriatic arthritis and skin plaques. I lasted 6 weeks on Otezla in extreme gaseous discomfort and with horrible diarrhea. In weeks 4-6, I had severe pressures in my bladder and stomach pains that were torturous. Currently wondering how this medicine was ever approved for sale, and the TV commercials are fraudulent and misleading. It was BAD. However, the miserable symptoms went away 2-3 days after terminating this medicine."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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."