For some people, Otezla can prevent symptoms of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis without causing any problematic side effects. In this case, the drug may be continued long-term to keep the condition under control. Long-term studies, ranging from 3 to 5 years, have shown that Otezla is safe for prolonged use.

In a study of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, 33% of people taking Otezla achieved clearer skin after 4 months compared to 5% on placebo. In a study of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, 43% of people taking Otezla experienced less whole body itching after 4 months compared to 19% on placebo.

The exact mechanism for weight loss with Otezla has not been determined, but no association has been found between weight loss and diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, but it may be related to the phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitory activity of Otezla.

Otezla ® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with: Plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. Active psoriatic arthritis.

Stopping Otezla doesn't cause side effects or withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal refers to symptoms that can occur if you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on.) But keep in mind that stopping this medication could cause symptoms of your condition to come back.

The first five days is a start period, during which the dosage will gradually increase until the recommended dose of 30 mg (twice daily) is reached. Otezla is meant to be taken continuously to maintain improvement.

Otezla can start working in the first few weeks of treatment and patients usually see therapeutic results within 12 to 16 weeks. Your initial dose of Otezla is started gradually to help minimize stomach side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

Otezla results Everyone's experience is different, but after just 4 months, Otezla was proven to help some people achieve clearer skin. See how Otezla could help with the symptoms of plaque psoriasis. Use this guide to discuss your results with your doctor.

For example, Otezla can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue. Alcohol can also cause these side effects. So if you drink alcohol while taking Otezla, you may have an increased risk of these side effects occurring. If you have questions about Otezla side effects with alcohol, talk with your doctor.

There is no known interaction between Otezla and alcohol. But keep in mind that alcohol can cause similar side effects to some of Otezla's, such as nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Combining alcohol with Otezla may increase your risk of these side effects.

Drug interactions of Otezla include:

• rifampin,
• St. John's wort,
• and carbamazepine, which may reduce blood levels of Otezla by increasing its breakdown when taken together.

Some people experienced severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that required hospitalization. Older patients may be at greater risk, especially if they are at risk of low blood pressure or dehydration, or taking medications that can worsen these effects. Otezla may lower a person's mood and increase suicidal thoughts.