If you have any of the conditions, your doctor may suggest that you take Otezla.

Learning about the possible side effects of Otezla may help you and your doctor decide if you should try the drug.

Otezla is a prescription medication that’s usually taken long term. The drug comes as tablets that you take by mouth. For more information on Otezla, see this in-depth article on the drug.

Mild or serious side effects can be caused by Otezla. Continue reading to learn more.

Mild or serious side effects may occur during Otezla treatment. Otezla has been reported to have some side effects.

If your doctor thinks that the improvement you will get from Otezla outweighs your risk for side effects, then he or she will recommend it.

The side effects of Otezla are not included in the above list. There are some possible side effects of Otezla.

See the side effects explained below for more information.

Mild side effects have been reported with Otezla.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor tells you to, don’t stop using Otezla.”

Otezla may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See Otezla’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Otezla, visit MedWatch.

See the side effects explained below for more information.

Serious side effects can occur with Otezla. There have been serious side effects reported with Otezla.

For more information about the side effects, see the below information.

There is a chance of an allergic reaction after using Otezla. Since Otezla was approved, this side effect has occurred.

Otezla is only approved for use in adults. The side effects have been seen in adults. There are no known side effects of Otezla in children.

However, Otezla is being studied for its safety and effectiveness in children. An ongoing study is looking at Otezla for possible treatment of moderate to severe There is plaque on the skin. in children ages 6 years and older.

Get answers to questions about Otezla.

What side effects would stopping Otezla cause?

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. Be sure to talk with your doctor before stopping Otezla.

Do Otezla’s side effects go away?

Typically, the more common side effects of Otezla go away within about 2 weeks after starting the drug. These side effects can include non-severe nausea, There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.., and vomiting.* It can take a few weeks for your body to get used to the medication, and your side effects may go away after this time.

“If you are experiencing side effects that don’t go away after Otezla treatment, talk to your doctor.”

* For more information about the side effects, see the below information.

Is hair loss a side effect of Otezla?

No. Hair loss wasn’t a side effect that occurred in studies of Otezla.

However, if you have There is plaque on the skin. on your scalp, scratching may lead to temporary hair loss. Treatments such as Otezla may reduce scalp plaques, which can help reduce hair loss from scratching. Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing hair loss that’s severe or causes concern.

How long do Otezla’s side effects last?

It depends. The more common side effects of Otezla are usually gone after a few weeks of taking the medication. This happens within 2 weeks after starting the drug.

Side effects can be affected by a number of factors, such as your age, other health conditions, and medications you are taking.

If you have side effects of Otezla that become severe, talk to your doctor.

* See “Side effects explained” below for details about these side effects, including non-severe nausea, There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.., and vomiting.

Is cancer associated with Otezla use?

No. Cancer wasn’t a side effect that happened in studies of Otezla.

However, people with psoriasis may have a slightly increased risk for certain types of cancer. For more details, see this article about the connection between psoriasis and cancer. And if you have questions or concerns about your cancer risk, talk with your doctor.

Some of the side effects of Otezla can be found here.

Weight loss

People lose weight when taking Otezla. This can happen because of how the drug works and some of the more common side effects.

Otezla’s possible side effects include There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.., nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite.. Many people who take Otezla lose weight due to these side effects. However, these side effects usually go away within about 2 weeks after starting Otezla, as your body gets used to the medication. Unexplained weight loss may also occur while taking Otezla.

What might help

If you have nausea or reduced appetite. from Otezla, it’s important that you still try to get enough calories. Try eating small, frequent meals or snacks. Eat foods that are bland and still provide some nutrients, such as applesauce, bananas, and broth.

Discuss this with your doctor if you experience severe weight loss while taking Otezla. They may recommend that you stop Otezla treatment if you have a condition.

Note: Otezla isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, and it’s not prescribed for weight loss. If you’re interested in weight loss treatments, talk with your doctor about ways to help you maintain a moderate weight.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of Otezla. For most people, this side effect isn’t severe. It usually goes away within about 2 weeks after starting Otezla, as your body gets used to the medication.

For most people who took Otezla in studies, There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. wasn’t severe. However, if you lose too much fluid due to There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.., you could become dehydrated.

Very rarely, Otezla caused severe dehydration due to There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. in studies. In some of these cases, treatment in the hospital was necessary. In reports of people taking Otezla since the drug was approved, severe There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. has been described during the first few weeks of taking the drug. (See the “Warnings for Otezla” section for details.)

What might help

If you have There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. during your first few weeks of Otezla treatment, it’s important to keep yourself well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration. Electrolyte replacement beverages, such as sports drinks, can also help keep you hydrated.

To help relieve There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.., you may want to consider asking your doctor if it’s safe for you to take an anti-There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea..l medication. Some over-the-counter (OTC) drug options may include Imodium A-D (loperamide hydrochloride) and Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).

If you have There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea.. that’s severe or doesn’t improve after trying OTC or home remedies, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a lower dose of Otezla. In some cases, this side effect can be severe and even require hospitalization.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are two of the more common side effects of Otezla. For most people, nausea tends to go away within about 2 weeks after starting Otezla, as your body gets used to the medication.

For most people who took Otezla in studies, nausea and vomiting weren’t severe. However, nausea may lead to vomiting, which can increase your risk for becoming dehydrated.

Severe vomiting in studies can cause dehydration. In some cases, the hospital was necessary. Severe vomiting and nausea have been reported in people taking Otezla since it was approved. For more information, see the “Warnings for Otezla” section.

What might help

There are a few things you can do to reduce nausea. For example:

  • Take a small amount of water or other clear liquids frequently.
  • Eat small, frequent meals or snacks. Include bland foods such as bananas, crackers, toast, and broth.
  • Go for a short walk or open a window to get some fresh air.
  • Try natural remedies that may help prevent or reduce nausea, such as ginger or acupressure.

“If you have nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away, you should talk to your doctor. They may suggest a lower dose of Otezla. They may prescribe you medication for you to take.”

Depression

Depression has happened in people taking Otezla, but it isn’t common. And suicidal thoughts or behaviors are even more rare. These side effects may be more likely to develop if you have a history of Depression..

Depression can cause a number of symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, and trouble concentrating.

What might help

If you notice mood changes while taking Otezla, talk with your doctor. They may recommend lowering your dose or stopping Otezla. They may also recommend that you get treatment for Depression..

If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call the emergency number.

Note: If you’ve been diagnosed with Depression., Otezla may make your condition worse. If you’re currently being treated for Depression., it’s important to continue with your treatment plan while taking Otezla. See the “Warnings for Otezla” section below for more details.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you think someone is at risk of self-injury or hurting another person.

  • You can call your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Guns, knives, medications, and other things should be removed.
  • “Don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should get help from a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

Insomnia

Although it isn’t common, Otezla can cause insomnia.

Insomnia refers to trouble falling asleep or trouble staying asleep. This side effect is usually mild. For most people, insomnia tends to go away within about 2 weeks after starting Otezla, as your body gets used to the medication. Insomnia didn’t cause anyone to stop taking Otezla in studies.

What might help

For mild insomnia, following good sleep hygiene is usually helpful. Sleep hygiene refers to healthy habits that can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Here are some tips that might help you sleep better.

  • Even on the weekends, stick with a consistent sleep schedule. This helps your body get used to waking up and falling asleep at the same time.
  • A relaxing routine of 30 to 60 minutes is followed. Try taking a warm bath or listening to music.
  • Don’t have caffeine starting 7 hours before bedtime, because it can keep you awake.

There are also some treatments such as natural supplements and OTC sleep aids that may help. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to help you choose a safe option.

If you have insomnia that causes concern, talk to your doctor.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Otezla can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Allergic reaction wasn’t reported in Otezla’s studies. But this has occurred since the drug was approved.

Mild or serious symptoms can be present.

  • There is a rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (warmth, swelling, redness, or discoloration in your skin)
  • “It’s swelling under your skin, usually in your lips, hands, or feet.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild There is a rash., call your doctor right away. They may suggest an OTC medication to manage your symptoms. Examples may include an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or a topical* product such as hydrocortisone cream.

If your doctor confirms you had an allergic reaction to Otezla, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Otezla, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

The skin is applied with a cream.

Keeping track of side effects

Keep notes on any side effects you have during your Otezla treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side-effect notes can include things.

  • What dose of drug did you take when you had the side effect?
  • How soon after starting that dose did you experience side effects?
  • What were your symptoms after the side effect?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help him learn more about how Otezla affects you. Your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Otezla may not be right for you. Before you take Otezla, talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

Kidney problems. If it’s possible that you may have kidney problems, your doctor may check your kidney function with a blood test. If you have kidney disease, let your doctor know before you start taking Otezla. Depending on the condition of your kidneys, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of Otezla for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Otezla or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Otezla. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Depression or suicidal thoughts. If you have a history of Depression. or suicidal thoughts or actions, Otezla may make these worse. Some people have experienced depressed mood and thoughts of suicide while taking this drug.

Before taking Otezla, you should talk with your doctor about your mental health conditions. Your doctor will help you understand the risks and benefits of Otezla. If you decide to take Otezla, your doctor will keep a close eye on you.

Also, if you’re currently being treated for Depression., it’s important to continue your current treatment plan while taking Otezla. This may include continuing to take any prescribed medications and keeping therapist appointments.

Taking drugs that interact with Otezla. Certain drugs can interact with Otezla in a way that prevents Otezla from being effective. If you’re currently taking a medication that interacts with Otezla in this way, your doctor may prescribe a different medication for your condition.

Some examples of drugs.

Alcohol use and Otezla

Some side effects of Otezla could be worsened by drinking alcohol.

The more alcohol you drink while taking Otezla, the more severe these side effects could become. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of drinking while taking Otezla.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Otezla

It isn’t known if Otezla is safe to take during pregnancy. Some animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus when Otezla was given to pregnant females.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of continuing Otezla.

It is not known if Otezla is safe to take while breastfeeding. Otezla was given to pregnant women in animal studies.

If you are planning to breastfeeding or using Otezla, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Otezla is meant to be a long-term treatment for Psy arthritis., There is plaque on the skin., or mouth sores from Behçet’s disease. When you’re considering taking this drug, it’s helpful to know what side effects may possibly happen. For most people, the side effects of Otezla are mild and usually improve after a few weeks.

If you have questions about the side effects of Otezla, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Some questions you may want to ask.

  • Is it possible that I have higher risk for side effects than others?
  • Would Otezla interact with other drugs?
  • What should I do if I have side effects that will not go away?
  • Should I keep my sphygmoman cream or should I stop?

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Q:

I would like to drink alcohol. Is it safe for me to stop Otezla temporarily to avoid worsening its side effects?

Anonymous

A:

You should talk to your doctor about Otezla. The risk of side effects increases when Otezla is stopped and restarted.

Some side effects of Otezla can be worse if you drink alcohol. If you drink alcohol, you should do so in moderation. Depending on your body size, you can have up to 2 drinks per day. It is important to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of drinking while taking Otezla.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.