Apremilast and Nausea: 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!"

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "Suffered with Psoriasis for 13 years and I’m only 23. Literally got it when I was 10 & nothing worked for me. I already started to see results with Otezla within 1 week and now after 3 weeks I’m literally 95% cured. I’m beyond happy & I was told I wouldn’t see results for 3 months, but with me this worked IMMEDIATELY. I got intense migraines with this medicine the first 2 weeks. I’m on week 4 and the one symptom that hasn’t gone away is the nausea, but it only lasts an hour after taking it... and to me it’s so worth it."

• MLC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been taking this medication for a little over 2 months for scalp psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I have been lucky and experienced no adverse side effects except for several minutes of minor nausea during the first week or so of beginning it. My scalp cleared almost completely within 2-3 weeks. The itchiness is gone as well. The swelling in my hands has decreased about 20 to 25 percent and I am hoping for more as I reach the 4 to 5-month mark. I was able to remove a ring that I was sure would need to be cut off. I also have had no other side effects that others have reported such as mood changes, headache, diarrhea, etc. I want others to know about good experiences so they won't be scared off. I will report back soon."

• DJ ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I began this medication with a 28-day starter pack and transitioned from there. The first month, my side effects were like 'WHOA' (headache, nausea, gastric distress of epic proportions!) pretty much hell on earth. HOWEVER, here I am 5 months later, and for the first time in my life, I am completely clear. There is not a plaque to be seen or felt. No itching, no flaking, no cracking! If you're new to this med; don't give up. It gets better!! I'm 5 months in now, and I don't have any of the side effects any longer."

• Cry...
• July 11, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been on Otezla for 10 weeks. I went from having plaques on the majority of my entire body to having none at all by week 5. This week I had a flare-up, and I am feeling really nauseous this week. I am happy with the results so far. Considering I have had this condition for 20 years and have never been so clear."

• 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."

• Age...
• April 21, 2019

For Plaque Psoriasis "I had a horrible reaction to this drug. I am a healthy 29-year-old with awful scalp plaque psoriasis. I’ve tried every topical steroid with no change. After years of desperation, my new dermatologist recommended Otezla. I was excited for something different to treat this disease. The first day taking it, I immediately felt strange: lethargic, slightly dizzy, and just “out of it,” but I didn’t think anything of it. The next morning, I woke up hardly able to move my body, severe nausea, and vomiting immediately. I slept all day, and the worst part was that my body felt pain in every area. My back hurt, my joints, my muscles. It was absolutely horrible. There is no way I could continue taking this medication and function normally; it’s very perplexing to see people successful on this medication, but I guess everyone has a different reaction. Anyone else have the same experience? I would take an itchy, flaky scalp a MILLION times over this medication."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been taking Otezla for approximately one month, and I have to say there is nothing like it. My psoriasis has quickly gone into remission. My psoriasis was so bad at times that I would scratch until it bled. Additionally, it has helped my psoriatic arthritis considerably. I have not been waking up stiff and in pain, that in itself is glorious. I did have nausea the first week, but adjusted that issue by eating a substantial meal prior to taking the medicine. Had a little bit of aching in parts I had not before, but that also subsided 2.5 weeks in. Overall, it has been a great experience. Using samples at this point while I fight with my insurance company."

• 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."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I put a lot of hope in getting some relief for psoriatic arthritis, but my suffering from taking these Otezla pills (30 mg/day after week 1) has been indescribable. I persevered the first 2 weeks of terrible stomach cramps, nausea, and burning sensation in my stomach by determination, but after week 6, I felt horrible. All I could try to do was try to reduce my extreme discomfort daily, including 20-30 trips to the toilet daily. I lost the daily battle in week 6, where I was taking anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids, Pepto-Bismol, and eating very bland foods like I had a bad case of colitis. The bladder and rectal pains lasted 48 hours after having dropped Otezla. I had a normal BM, and the gas pains have finally eased. It had the worst side effects imaginable, and I was not able to find out if I could be helped by Otezla, and I no longer care. I’ll have to try biologics or just accept a shorter and more restricted life at age 65."

• 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."

• dda...
• March 8, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was 7 weeks in as of today and had to stop immediately today. This drug did begin to help my psoriasis and it began to resolve; I was really happy. Anyone taking this needs to have someone watch them and their behavior. My mood and behavior changed dramatically. I got through the initial nausea and pushed through, hoping the headaches would resolve. But then it got worse. I am generally happy. My interactions with people began to go sour slowly, and in spats; I would get way too worked up over things. 6-7 weeks in, I became very irritable and depressed. Heaving sobs, feeling hopeless, flying off the handle, and bizarre things. It was gradual, so I was confused. Felt like I was another person in my own body. Feel better already."

• Hoc...
• July 1, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have psoriasis and have been on Otezla for 7 months now. For me, it has not worked. If I stop using any steroid creams for more than 5 days, it comes back. I was told by the Otezla support nurse that if it did not work within 16 weeks, it typically would not work. Side effects I had were nausea, headaches, and weight loss. I never get headaches, and while on this medication, I got them pretty regularly. The nausea was tough, but I found taking this with food helped. I really hoped that it would have worked, as it seems to be a much safer option than the injectable options."

• Bar...
• December 27, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I had psoriasis when I was a child that cleared. When I hit about 40, it came back with a vengeance...hands, arms, knees, scalp, face, back, etc. I tried everything except biologics that had such horrible side effects. One day I saw Otezla on TV. I wanted to try it so much, but my insurance didn't cover it. Then I changed my insurance, and it was covered! I got the starter pack and began taking the medicine. Within one week, it started working! I was so happy...no more scaling and flaking, cracking and bleeding, or painful, itching scalp. I had some pretty bad nausea and more frequent bowel movements, but it was worth it. Now into week 5, the nausea has subsided. Hang in there with the side effects, and they will go away, and oh, what reward!"

• DrA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2020

For Behcet's Disease "I have Behcet's disease and have been on Otezla for 5 months and have had zero (0!) ulcers. Had little red irritated areas, but didn’t ulcerate and healed in 1 day. Before Otezla, I had ulcers on a continual basis. All other symptoms are absent or reduced dramatically in intensity and/or duration: joint pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, red eyes, Raynaud's, insomnia, brain fog, general achiness, dry, blurry eyes, purpura. My skin heals normally now, rather than having a pathergy reaction occur (turning purple and taking a very long time to resolve). Only side effect: nausea if taken with water or juice. Otezla 2x/day with milk = no nausea. No weight gain/loss, and headaches are gone. Did not feel sad or cry while dosing up or since being on full dosage. If you're hesitant, try it. I read these reviews, and I was skeptical. However, I hope I never have to stop taking it. I am almost completely normal again, and the rare flare-ups are extremely dampened compared to what I was dealing with before. With the co-pay program, I pay $0."

• Bar...
• October 3, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "After reading endless negative reviews, I feel almost guilty to say how big a fan I am of Otezla. I developed mild to severe psoriasis around 33. Tried all the ointments, cortisone injections, laser, and light treatment options with light/temporary relief. Started Otezla 1/1/17, had immediate positive results. Little nausea at first, along with a slight headache and bowel issues, all side effects subsided within a couple of weeks. Haven't lost any weight. Not depressed or sad. In fact, quite the opposite - due to clear skin and confidence, I'm happier than I've been in years. I'm 99% clear! Never thought I'd be able to wear little shorts and be at the beach with clear skin again. Big fan and feel blessed. Hope this helped if you're on the fence."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."