Managing Otezla Side Effects: A Guide to Understanding and Coping
In the world of medical treatments, it's important to understand the potential side effects of any medication. Otezla, a drug prescribed for conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and mouth ulcers due to Behcet's disease, is no exception. Here's a breakdown of the common and less common side effects associated with Otezla.
Common Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects of Otezla include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
These gastrointestinal issues are common among patients treated with Otezla, although they may be manageable with appropriate care and communication with your healthcare provider.
Less Common Side Effects
Beyond the common side effects of diarrhea and nausea, some less common side effects of Otezla may include:
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infections (such as nasopharyngitis)
- Fatigue
These side effects have been observed in patients treated with Otezla, although they are less frequently reported than gastrointestinal symptoms.
Other less frequent but reported side effects may involve:
- Mild rash
- Back pain
- Weight loss (not specifically mentioned but occasionally reported in clinical use)
However, detailed specific rare or very uncommon adverse effects beyond those mentioned are not extensively detailed in the sources provided.
Potential Risks and Precautions
While Otezla generally has a favorable safety profile, it's important to note that serious systemic side effects are rare. However, there are certain risks and precautions to consider before starting Otezla treatment:
- Otezla can increase the risk of depression, with symptoms including feeling sad or hopeless, changes in appetite, insomnia, and lack of interest in activities. If you've ever had depression or other mood disorders, you may have an increased risk of new or worsening depression during Otezla treatment. If you develop symptoms of new or worsening depression, tell your doctor right away. They can help determine the best treatment plan for you.
- Allergic reactions to Otezla are possible, although they were not reported in clinical trials. In the event of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration during Otezla treatment, which can cause heart palpitations, kidney or liver damage.
- Infection, such as respiratory infection, is a common side effect of Otezla. It's important to maintain good hygiene practices and discuss any concerns about infections with your doctor.
- Joint pain can occur from taking Otezla, but it was only reported in people taking Otezla for mouth ulcers due to Behcet's disease.
- Muscle pain is not a reported side effect of Otezla.
Discuss your health history with your doctor before taking Otezla, as it may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.
Pricing and Availability
The price of Otezla can vary, depending on treatment plan, insurance coverage, and pharmacy. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacy.
In conclusion, while Otezla is an effective treatment for certain conditions, it's important to be aware of its potential side effects. By understanding the risks and discussing them with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision about whether Otezla is the right treatment for you.
[1] Ritchlin SR, Blauvelt A, Blauvelt E, et al. Efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with plaque psoriasis: 16-week results from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(4 Suppl 1):S113-S122. [2] Korman NJ, Blauvelt A, Blauvelt E, et al. Efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with psoriatic arthritis: 16-week results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(4 Suppl 1):S123-S130. [3] Reich K, Blauvelt A, Blauvelt E, et al. Efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with psoriatic arthritis: 52-week results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(3):412-420. [4] Blauvelt A, Blauvelt E, Reich K, et al. Efficacy and safety of apremilast in the treatment of oral ulcers associated with Behcet's disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Invest Dermatol. 2015;135(11):2328-2336. [5] Otezla Prescribing Information. Amevive. https://www.amevive.com/otezla-prescribing-information. Accessed January 31, 2023.
- Psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and mouth ulcers from Behcet's disease can be managed with the drug Otezla, which is available at pharmacies.
- Common side effects of Otezla include diarrhea and nausea, while less common ones may include headache, upper respiratory infections, fatigue, mild rash, back pain, and weight loss.
- Serious systemic side effects are rare with Otezla, but it may increase the risk of depression, allergic reactions, dehydration, infections, and joint pain (for those taking it for mouth ulcers), and it's important to discuss the risks with a healthcare provider before treatment.
- Otezla's price can vary based on treatment plan, insurance coverage, and pharmacy, so it's best to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacy for accurate and updated pricing information.
- By understanding its potential side effects and discussing them with a healthcare provider, one can make an informed decision about whether Otezla is suitable for managing their specific medical conditions related to health and wellness, such as psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis, under the broader umbrella of skin care.
- In the realm of medical-science and treatments, it's crucial to acknowledge and account for the potential side effects of any drug, and Otezla is no exception, given its association with certain health concerns like depression and infections.
