Apremilast and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• tjm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2015

For Plaque Psoriasis "Now have 8 weeks completed with Otezla. The side effects are getting better. Fewer trips to the bathroom, nausea gone. Skin is getting better. Still have visible patches on my legs, but they are less angry-looking. The itching has been reduced also. Taking 30 mg twice a day."

• Sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2024

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been on Otezla for 18 days for psoriatic arthritis (no rash). The morning dose is brutal, with horrific nausea and vomiting, diarrhea with fecal urgency, and a slight headache. After only 2 weeks, my joints feel better, and I am trying with all my might to tolerate this med. I thought it would ease up by now, but day 18 so far has been the worst. Overall, it is a great drug if the GI symptoms would let up."

• Mea...
• August 13, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Been taking Otezla for 3 weeks. The first week, I had a mild but persistent headache, bad heartburn, and nausea, bloating, and muscle cramps in my legs. By the second week, the headache was gone and down to slight nausea for a few hours after taking a dose. PsA is much improved, lesions are slightly better. By the 3rd week, I am having very slight nausea, but the PsA is almost gone. My knees, back, hands, and feet feel almost normal. Lesions are still improving but very slowly. I'm still using steroid topicals and an occasional dose of Naproxen for joint pain."

• Mea...
• August 13, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Been taking Otezla for 3 weeks. The first week, I had a mild but persistent headache, bad heartburn, and nausea, bloating, and muscle cramps in my legs. By the second week, the headache was gone and down to slight nausea for a few hours after taking a dose. PsA is much improved, lesions are slightly better. By the 3rd week, I am having very slight nausea, but the PsA is almost gone. My knees, back, hands, and feet feel almost normal. Lesions are still improving but very slowly. I'm still using steroid topicals and an occasional dose of Naproxen for joint pain."

• Hod...
• December 18, 2017

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was prescribed Otezla for psoriatic arthritis. I took it for about 18 weeks. My arthritis improved only minimally. I experienced the side effects of nausea, diarrhea, and headaches throughout the 18 weeks. I stopped the treatment since it wasn't really working for me. And that is where the real trouble began - I had only suffered mild psoriasis over the years. I have not had a significant outbreak in over 25 years. In very short order, after I stopped this medicine, my psoriasis returned with a vengeance! It's now almost 6 months since I've stopped taking this drug, and I'm STILL trying to get the psoriasis under control. I would NOT recommend anyone take this drug."

• kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I am 8 weeks in now. Hands and scalp are pretty clear. I am noticing improvement on my legs and elbows. Feet are clearing nicely too. Still have occasional nausea in the morning. I feel better if I eat a good breakfast and hydrate. I am very optimistic I will be clear for summer. No headaches so far. No weight loss, unfortunately."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2019

"I have been on Otezla for sixteen weeks now. I have Behçet’s disease, a rare form of vasculitis, which my doctor said Otezla will be approved by the FDA to treat by the end of this year. At first, I had headaches and horrible nausea, which wasn’t helped if I took it with food. The headaches have stopped, but not the nausea. I also have high blood pressure, which this drug has made worse, along with folliculitis. My hair has gotten very thin. I also have times when I have to hold myself back from vomiting. The pain in my joints has increased to the point that I can barely walk. I get pain in my spine (from my neck to my tail), knees, and hips. And it is severe. I take a large amount of opioids for chronic pain, and Otezla has negated any effect these have had. I was hoping I could quit taking the opioids with Otezla on board. I’m going to have to stop taking it because I can’t stand the pain and nausea."

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "I started Otezla in April 2019. The nausea and stomach cramps were bad, but with OTC anti-diarrheal and a prescription for an anti-nausea med, I managed for the 2 weeks it took to end. My plaque psoriasis began to clear up, and I ended up being about 85% clear. Then, in August 2019, I began to flare up. I have one more month of pills left (insurance ended and I don't have hundreds of $ to pay out of pocket), then I'm done."

• Tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been on Otezla for 3 weeks for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It started out okay, but then I became nauseous, couldn't eat, had diarrhea, but I was managing. Then my joints got worse and worse, I couldn't move. The final straw was I took an evening dose and severely began vomiting. I stopped taking it and called the doctor. I have been without it almost 48 hours, and while my stomach is still a little queasy, I'm not nearly as sore and don't feel miserable. 90% of my symptoms came on as a result of this medication, it might have helped a little with my plaque psoriasis, but not enough to keep feeling miserable. We are looking into a new treatment."

• Tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have been on Otezla for 3 weeks for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It started out okay, but then I became nauseous, couldn't eat, had diarrhea, but I was managing. Then my joints got worse and worse, I couldn't move. The final straw was I took an evening dose and severely began vomiting. I stopped taking it and called the doctor. I have been without it almost 48 hours, and while my stomach is still a little queasy, I'm not nearly as sore and don't feel miserable. 90% of my symptoms came on as a result of this medication, it might have helped a little with my plaque psoriasis, but not enough to keep feeling miserable. We are looking into a new treatment."

• Mar...
• September 9, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I started taking Otezla in 2015 for inverse psoriasis. I experienced nausea, diarrhea, migraine headaches, and extreme fatigue for the first 6 months. The intragluteal fold fissures and fissures under my breast and arms were gone in less than a month. I had plaque on my shins that was spreading painfully and rapidly, and my skin cleared in less than 3 months. The side effects were horrible, but tolerable. I reported the extreme fatigue because I was unable to drive a full ride home without calling for a ride when I was driving. I found myself pulling over to sleep because I couldn't keep my eyes open. I'm taking a stimulant now, and my skin remains clear. This medication has really helped me, and the side effects are now tolerable. I get sporadic headaches, nausea every day, but my skin is not open anymore."

• RLT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have moderate/severe RA overlapping with PSA. I developed a worsening of psoriasis on Humira. I stopped Humira, and the doctor wanted me to try Otezla to clear my psoriasis. I can say this is the worst drug I have ever taken. I had a severe migraine for 5 days. I had very low energy levels, loss of appetite, and nausea. I also developed really bad spasms. I took Methotrexate for 5 years and didn't feel this bad. I stopped Otezla, going back to Humira and Methotrexate... I hope!"

• MsT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I am now on my eighth day, and besides the slight nausea and the frequent bowel movements throughout the day (it's not affecting my work and taking care of my son's needs), I think that I'm going to stick it out. I was on the Enbrel SureClick last year, and because I caught an infection and my system was severely compromised, I was admitted to the hospital in serious condition; so, no more Enbrel. I stayed clear for a few months after being taken off of it, but once the psoriasis came back, it went rampant... please check back in a few weeks with an update."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I took this medication last month, and the first 7 days were so bad I stopped. The normal side effects of nausea, diarrhea, and migraines. My doctor convinced me to give it another go. I must say it is not as bad the second time. I have been back on it for 3 days, and as long as I stay hydrated and take Tylenol as soon as I feel the headache come on, it hasn't been as bad, and I can manage the diarrhea. I wish I would have stuck through because I would be 2 months into treatment. Better late than ever. Don't give up."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "Started Otezla 7 days ago. I usually tolerate new drugs well, but this was different. The nausea was the worst on the first three days, but I think my body is starting to adjust. I have spent the last week in bed, but I'm starting to see my plaque starting to clear. I will update in a week, hopefully, my body will be fully adjusted to Otezla."

• Wia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "Update: Otezla is not working now like it did at first. My left hand is better, but my right regressed and is splitting in multiple places. Both feet, horrible flare now, thick peeling and lesions. My face now has spots where it didn't prior to Otezla. Headaches, migraines, and nausea are very common. How disappointing."

• Ema...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "Was on it about 3 months, cleared my scalp psoriasis almost completely, but had terrible side effects. Continuous nausea and vomiting that Zofran could not help control. Every time I ate something, I either became very nauseous or got sick."

• Ven...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I have only tried for 3 weeks and am so disappointed. My one severe spot of psoriasis improved but didn’t totally clear. I had all 3 common symptoms of headache, diarrhea, and nausea. The worst, however, is my PA felt like it worsened. I don’t want biologics as I’m only 40, but I'm not sure what other option is next."

• TG6...
• December 27, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I'm 4 days in to starting Otezla, not even to the full 30 mg per day, and I'm quitting. The nausea, headaches, and awful stomach pain are just not worth it. It is really bad. Going to try something else."

• dbk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have been taking Otezla for over a year. Usually take 30 mg daily, but sometimes 60 mg when skin gets worse, and sometimes 15 mg when side effects are too awful and/or skin is better. Worked amazing for me in the beginning and totally cleared my skin, including scalp plaque that I've had since a teenager (I'm 45 years old). However, side effects have been bad and have never let up. Did not have depression, but definitely lots of reflux, with burping, burning, etc., especially at night. Gross, watery stool with constant urgency and having to race to the toilet after everything I eat. Sometimes helps to take the pill with a big meal - but not always. Have also had some headaches. Also, just a weird feeling of nausea and unwellness - usually passes after a few hours. Recently developed an extremely itchy rash (torso, arms, legs, feet), and this may be the last straw for this drug."

• Boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "My main issue is palmoplantar pustular psoriatic arthritis, along with inverse and plaque psoriasis. I took Otezla for 59 days before calling it quits because it did nothing for my psoriasis, but the nausea was 24 hours, 7 days a week. The doctor wanted me to stay on it, but I was too sick to my stomach to go any longer. Exactly what is the timeframe to see improvement anyway? I thought 59 days was enough! Barf."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "I am heading into my 4th week with Otezla. My hands are clear of scales. They are looking very good. My scalp has stopped itching and feels like scales are disappearing. My legs, on the other hand, are red and itching. I do not see any improvement on my legs at all yet. I did experience severe nausea for the first couple of weeks, but it has gotten much better. Slight occasional headaches. I am still hopeful."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2017

For Plaque Psoriasis "Been on one month now, and I'm now 75% clear, which I can tolerate. The first few days did have slight nausea and diarrhea, but nothing severe! No headaches, no sleep problems, no depression, and haven't had any more nausea or diarrhea. Has cleared scalp, legs, back, and even nail psoriasis 100%. I'm only left with my stubborn spots on knees and elbows, but the scaling and redness has improved greatly, only thin scales and slight discoloration left on those stubborn problem areas, which I can live with. Happy with this drug and hope it continues!"

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

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have suffered from plaque psoriasis for years. I have tried topical creams and over-the-counter creams that did nothing. My psoriasis had gotten so terrible that I was desperate. My hands would bleed constantly. It was miserable. I decided to see a dermatologist, and she immediately diagnosed me and got me started on Otezla. Otezla has been amazing at clearing up my plaque psoriasis! Within three weeks, I was clearing up significantly. The only problem I had was the side effects. My side effects were awful! I had terrible diarrhea, nausea, and a migraine for the first nine days. It was so miserable I kept having to convince myself to stay on it! I'm so glad I did. I 100% recommend Otezla to everyone. The side effects are normal! Just push through!"

• Pho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "I got psoriasis at age 29. Plaque psoriasis all over my scalp and spots all over my body except my hands and feet. I started Otezla at age 31. I took this medicine for 4 months. It was awful. I stuck through the nausea because I figured it would be worth it if it helped my psoriasis. It did nothing for my psoriasis, not even in the slightest. After 4 months, I decided it was either have psoriasis and be nauseous a few hours every day or have psoriasis and not be nauseous. I stopped taking Otezla at that time. I would never recommend this medication to anyone."