User Reviews for Otezla Starter oral

I am on day 9 - minimal side effects - nothing that would make me stop the meds. I have seen very small improvement with my psoriasis - hoping it works because I hated Methotrexate which worked but I hated the constant blood work and the potential risks. I can't find any info on how long it should take to help my skin clear up.

Started taking Otezla 12/23/15 and HAVEN'T noticed any healing yet. Had headaches the first 3 days. I have no nausea if I take the pills with food.

It started working right away to my great satisfaction....but the nausea and the diarrhea and the heartburn were nothing until my kidneys started aching until I was in tears most of the day....I quit after a week and still feel like I am ill....I hope my kidneys are not permanently damaged. My dosage was 30 mg...2 x a day

On methotrexate for last 3 years and on Enbrel for 2 years before that. Taking Otezla (30mg) twice daily since 09/01/2015 (4 months) and there is no difference or maybe a little worse. Dermatologist would like me to try it for another 2 month and then decide on treatment.

Been using for two weeks mostly for PSA joint pain. So far, no pain relief and bad side effects as severe nausea and headache. Hoping these will subside and I'll begin to see some pain relief. It's probably too early to expect help with the pain, but willing to continue for a few months and hope for the best.

This treatment had no positive effect on my psoriasis. Stopped Humira in April, less than 1 percent on body...started Otezla in July. By end of August, up to 2 percent and continued to get worse. Has returned to the worst it has been in 5 years. Including, now a rash. Stopped taking after 5 months.

I stopped taking Otezla for my PsA after 5 weeks because it drove my blood pressure sky high. I have had good blood pressure control for 10 years but as I type this, it is 154/105 and has been like this for weeks. My bp med is no longer working. I developed a severe migraine & nausea and had to get a CT just 4 days ago. If you have hypertension, this drug may not be for you.

I was started Otezla after a miserable time on methotrexate. I was fast tracked due to my history of cancer. Other treatments were not recommended. Otezla has been amazing. It has improved my quality of life. However, there have been some hiccups. The occasional headache and nausea are a given. My fatigue has remained the same. The more severe issues arise if my script runs out before my next month arrives. Within missing two doses my rash explodes and my hips/knees are in a world of hurt. It's scary how dependent I am. Also, certain antibiotics seem to "shut it off", like cephlalexin. Same reaction twice, exploding rash and pain. However, no doctor or Otezla will confirm my reports. Note: the second time also came with a steroid shot and have since learned to say no to steroids, regardless of doctors recommendation. I also lost 10 pounds, which may be an issue if it continues. I would like to note, I am a nurse, and try to be as objective with my findings as can be. I have been treating my psoriatic arthritis for a little more than a year. It leveled me last year and I am still trying to get back to full function. I have been on Otezla 9 months. The drug has completely changed my life. I rarely take a tramadol and have almost done away with naproxen. Yes, there is significant discomfort, but I can function well! It has yielded a very positive outcome thus far.Read More Read Less

I have psoriatic arthritis which is completely debilitating if not treated. I have taken Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira but I had the same problem with all of them: the arthritis relief would always wear out before the next dose. That is why this medication is so great... it's a steady dose of two pills a day and I don't notice the effect wearing out. It's not 100% but close enough. This with Arava seems to do the trick. A note about nausea: This stuff made me horribly sick to my stomach at first. I used to have to take Zofran several times a day but I found that if I take Omeprazole once a day with one of the doses it seems to completely kick the nausea/heartburn. However, I just started taking methotrexate again instead of the Arava and I'm feeling really sick to my stomach so I think I'm going back to Arava. The best part about this medication: no needles!! It does take a while to start working. I was a bit concerned because it didn't feel like it was doing anything at first but after a couple months I'm doing great. My scalp psoriasis isn't as managed as it was with the other meds but I use topicals for that. The arthritis is the main concern... I could care less about the few patches I have in my scalp.Read More Read Less

I was in bad shape with my psoriatic arthritis, I was in pain 24/7 from head to toe. I was on methotrexate, but still in pain and my skin wasn't clearing up. Since starting Otezla early this year, I could immediately feel the results. My joint pain started to reduce dramatically and my skin started to clear up. I could walk down a flight if stairs without having to grip the railings step by step! My scalp and back are 99% free of any scales. I have a few more patches of scales on my lower legs that are healing. Overall, I have never felt this good in a very long time. I am grateful to my doctor who helped me get hooked up with Otezla. The best part about this medicine is not having severe side effects. Once in a while I feel nauseous or have a headache if I don't stay hydrated or eat some food when I take the medicine.Read More Read Less

I have been on Otezla for 3 months. My leg pain continues to get worse and I don't see any change in my psoriasis. the leg pain is so bad that I can't sleep. Even taking hydrocodone doesn't help the pain. I am thinking of stopping treatment.

Just started Otezla after mild psoriasis turned much worse. So far after day 2 no noticeable change in condition. Have other diabetic, blood pressure and heart disease to contend with...will report progress.

This is probably my last entry at 18 weeks. I am on auto-pilot. Body 95% clear of Psorisis, arthritis almost gone, still get loose bowels daily, still feel "off" 1-2 hours after taking pill. No sign of depression, no headaches, etc. Overall, very happy with results. Reading some reviews in here, just slightly concerned that the medication stops working over time. Until then, best condition I have been since 18 years old. Coming up on cold/flu season, so glad this medication doesn't reduce immune system. Wishing you all the best for those considering this new medication. It's been a God-send for me.Read More Read Less

2 months taking 60mg (2 pills) a day. A few headaches, no other side effects. Within days of starting, joint aches went away. Hasn't really cleared skin of Psoriasis, but has kept it at a tolerable level.

I'm 21 with extremely mild psoriasis, arthritis has been kicking me in the teeth since I was 18. I've only tried prednisone which helped but Otezla has been way better. Swelling in my knees confining me to bed was starting to become normal it's so much better now. I've been on otezla for 3 weeks. The nausea and headaches are terrible, I'm 100% focused on not throwing up for about two hours after each pill. (I've noticed a spoonful of peanut butter taken with the pill helps.) It's getting better everyday though and I'd take this nausea over knee pain any day. I've only taken one sick day because of joint pain since starting. I'm not as tired and triggers such as weather and stress are barely making an impact on my pain or energy levels. I don't feel like most other 21 year olds but I'm hoping in a few months I won't need a cane to go partying lol. Read More Read Less

At 56 years old, I've had severe scalp psoriasis over 12+ years. Sacyllic acids, shampoo rx, creams, barely remove surface plaque. Steroid injections on multiple scalp areas prove effective for 2-3 wks but derm dr warns of thinning skin over time so cannot do on a regular basis. Humira took about 5-mo to notice improvement. Months 6-8 the psoriasis was held back up to 75% of scalp. Month 9 it came back with a vengeance and began rapidly increasing down and across the back of my neck. Rheumatologist told me no more Humira and prescribed Otezla. I've been on a otezla dose pack for 5 days with mild symptoms of stomach grumbling, slight nausea, no diarrhea but do have regular bowl movements which I love because normally I live with chronic constipation. I started this med with a fairly clear scalp after stetoid injections so my test will be to see if it prevents my chronically severe scalp psoriasis from returning in full force. My arthritis pain in hips is easing too but not so in spine and neck. I'm extremely hopeful Otezla will be the answer. Read More Read Less

I have had Psoriasis and eczema for almost 20 years. I had given up and decided to just live with never again being able to wear shorts or dresses again. I have been on Otzela for 1 week and today I cried...my leg issues have faded and the areas are no longer thick. The only issue was I was dizzy for the first day but realized that taking this with food is best for me. No other side effects at all. I will report back with more when my trial pack is complete...

Just started taking this. Loose stool occurred on the second day. I really can't say anything about the pill, but I wanted to say that the starter pack is a PIA for those with arthritis. Having to punch the pills out was very difficult. Will update or review again after continued use.

The medication cleared up my skin beautifully. The only problem is the side effects (headaches, and nausea) outweighed the benefits of having beautiful and clear skin. I felt sick all the time. For me, I'd rather have psoriasis, and feel great.

I have taken otezla for complete 5 months now and still taking it twice a day. Medicine has worked well for me. Almost all my psoriasis has cleared up and I am letting my skin heal (after more than a year of use of topical creams). For me the other most amazing thing has been I can eat any food after I started medicine. Before I used to avoid sweets, beers and ... certain food made me uncomortable and flare-up but don't see that also after starting taking that medicine. Don't know how long I have to take it but it's been great medicine.Read More Read Less