Apremilast (otezla) for psoriasis

[WyrdSisterWeatherwax]

Hello,

Is anyone on/been on Apremilast (otezla) for plaque psoriasis?

I've to start taking it this week after the dermatologist ruled out PUVA, methotrexate and ciclosporin.

I was wondering how people have found the side effects? A few posts I've read on psoriasis forums have said the nausea, upset stomach and headaches can be severe for the first few weeks.

I'm looking for any advice anyone has from being on it.

Thanks

I’m same as you, with PUVA a couple of weeks after the end of treatment it came back more severe. Neither methotrexate (both tablets and injections) or cyclosporine worked and I was lucky enough not to have any side effects from either. They tried me with Stelara but it gave me inflammetry bowel disease!

I’m now on Apremilast tablets, I’ve been on them for 2 months. The only side effect I’ve encountered is insomnia. I go to bed at 10-10.30pm, I went through a three week phase of waking at 2-3am and feeling like I’d had 8 hrs sleep, but by 6am I was so tired it felt like I hadn’t slept in days. For the past week I’ve been okay. In terms of my skin, I’m not sure how long it takes, but there’s barely any difference so far.

Thanks for your reply

I started Apremilast 8 days ago but I've stopped today due to the side effects. It started with a sore head on day 1 I couldn't shift but it was manageable. By day 3 onwards my head still hurt and I was feeling sick most of the day with stomach cramps and an upset stomach. I couldn't concentrate at work this week and was dreading taking the tablet this morning when I already felt so awful so I don't think they're for me.

I'm at the dermatologist in December so until then it's back to Zorac gel and I'm looking into change to my diet that might help at least calm it down.

I hope the Apremilast starts working for you. My dermatologist said to expect to see results in 12 weeks.