Otezla Side Effects

Generic Name: apremilast

Note: This page contains side effects data for the generic drug apremilast. It is possible that some of the dosage forms included below may not apply to the brand name Otezla.

In Summary

Common side effects of Otezla include: weight loss. Other side effects include: nausea, headache, and diarrhea. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to apremilast: oral tablet

As well as its needed effects, apremilast (the active ingredient contained in Otezla) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking apremilast, check with your doctor immediately:

• Changes in behavior
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• thoughts of killing oneself
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping

• Fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, or rash
• hoarseness
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• redness of the skin
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• weight loss

Minor Side Effects

Some apremilast side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

• Body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• ear congestion
• headache
• headache, severe and throbbing
• loss of voice
• nausea
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose

• Acid or sour stomach
• back pain
• belching
• burning, itching, pain in the hairy areas, pus at the root of the hair
• decreased appetite
• heartburn
• indigestion
• muscle aches
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• upper abdominal or stomach pain
• vomiting

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to apremilast: oral tablet

General

The most commonly reported side effects included diarrhea, headache, and nausea.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain
Frequency not reported: Frequent bowel movement, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis
Frequency not reported: Cough^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Rash^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Weight decrease, decreased appetite^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Frequency not reported: Migraine^[Ref]

It is possible that some side effects of Otezla may not have been reported. These can be reported to the FDA here. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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