Otezla Weight Loss Effects, Uses And Cost

Allergic Reaction

As with most medicines, some people can develop an adverse response after using Otezla. But it’s not known how many people on Otezla have developed an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Symptoms of a mild allergic response can include:

• Itchiness
• Skin rash
• Flushing (warmth and redness in your skin)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic response can include:

• Swelling beneath the skin, most commonly in the eyes, lips, hands, or feet.
• Your tongue, mouth, or throat may enlarge.
• Breathing difficulties

You should seek medical attention immediately if you have a life-threatening allergic reaction to Otezla. If you believe your condition is life-threatening or if you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should contact emergency medical services immediately.

The Ultimate Goal Is To Lose Weight

Weight loss and obesity are two of the side effects of Otezla, which is a medication for diabetes. Between ten and twelve percent of those who take it are adversely affected by the drug. Some people have lost more than 10% of their body weight, despite the fact that the most common weight loss is between 5 and 10% of one’s total body weight.

If you notice significant weight loss while taking Otezla, you should consult your physician. It may be necessary to discontinue the use of this medication.

Cancer

Patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer than the general population. Psoriasis medications have also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as skin cancer and lung cancer, in people who have taken them.

Clinical studies have shown that the active ingredient in Otezla, apremilast, does not increase the risk of developing cancer in people who have psoriasis.

Depression

Users of Otezla may experience depression, which is a rare occurrence. This side effect affects only 2% of the population, which is a small percentage. However, only one percent of the population suffers from a severe form of depressive illness, according to the latest statistics. Only 1% of Otezla users have reported having suicidal thoughts or acting on those thoughts.

It is possible that depression will be more prevalent in those who have previously experienced depression while taking Otezla.

If you notice any changes in your mood or depression while taking Otezla, you should consult your doctor.

Headaches

A common adverse effect of Otezla is a headache. Up to 14% of patients receiving the medicine may develop this side effect, depending on the illness being treated.

The majority of people suffer from mild tension headaches. On the other hand, a more severe form of migraine affects only 2 percent of the population at any given moment.

With the ongoing use of Otezla, these unpleasant symptoms generally fade. Consult your doctor if they continue or become unbearable.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common Otezla side effect. Diarrhea affects roughly 41% of patients who take the drug. In most circumstances, the diarrhea is minor and goes gone as long as the medicine is taken.

However, severe diarrhea has been recorded in some individuals on Otezla, which can lead to dehydration (low fluid level) and electrolyte problems in specific circumstances.

If you get chronic or severe diarrhea while taking Otezla, talk to your doctor. They may ask you to cut your dosage or stop taking the medicine.

Nausea

Otezla generates nausea, which is a typical unpleasant effect. It affects up to 17% of patients who are taking the medicine. In most circumstances, nausea is minor and diminishes with the ongoing administration of the medicine.

However, in rare cases, it could be severe, culminating in vomiting. Dehydration (insufficient fluid in the body) and electrolyte imbalances can emerge as a result of acute nausea and vomiting.

If your nausea persists or if you have severe nausea or vomiting while taking Otezla, visit your doctor. Your doctor may urge you to cut your dose or stop taking Otezla entirely.

Otezla Cost

As with many medicines, the cost of Otezla could vary. To see the current cost for Otezla in your location, check out WellRx.com.

The rate you find on WellRx.com is what you may spend without insurance. The actual price you’ll pay varies on your insurance plan, your region, and the drugstore you select.

Before authorizing coverage for Otezla, your insurance carrier may need you to acquire prior authorization. This implies that your doctor and insurance company will need to discuss your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the prescription will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to seek prior authorization for Otezla, contact your insurance provider.

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Financial And Insurance Aid

If you need financial support to pay for Otezla, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, aid is available.

Amgen, the producer of Otezla, offers a copay card that may lower the cost of Otezla. The corporation moreover offers an application named Otezla SupportPlus, which may aid you in discovering techniques to minimize the expenditure of Otezla.

For further information and to find out if you’re qualified for support, contact 844-468-3952 or visit the program website.

Generic Version

Otezla is not available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost cheaper than brand-name drugs.

Uses For Otezla

Prescription medications such as Otezla have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat specific conditions.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Otezla to treat the three medical conditions listed below:

• Plaques, for example, are a symptom of psoriasis in some people.
• Psoriatic arthritis, which is a type of arthritis, is characterized by inflammation of the skin.
• Behçet’s illness manifests itself in the form of mouth ulcers.

For plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Otezla is often used in combination with other medications such as methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall, others), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), leflunomide (Arava), or others.

Otezla For Psoriatic Arthritis

Otezla is licensed to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that involves both the swollen, aching joints of arthritis and the skin sores of psoriasis. Skin lesions generated by psoriasis are usually itchy, scaly red areas. In some cases, the lesions can injure your scalp.

Effectiveness For Psoriatic Arthritis

In clinical tests, Otezla alleviated symptoms of this disease by 20 percent in around 30 percent to 40 percent of individuals who took it. In comparison, 18 percent to 19 percent of folks applying a placebo (treatment with no active medicine) had that identical effect.

Otezla For Plaque Psoriasis

Otezla is authorized to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. This is the most frequent type of psoriasis. It’s characterized by enormous red patches of skin that often have a silver or white scaly covering.

Effectiveness For Plaque Psoriasis

In clinical evaluations, around 30% of patients getting Otezla had clearer skin and fewer plaques. In comparison, around 5% of folks applying a placebo (treatment with no active medicine) experienced a comparable result. For roughly 20% of patients, their plaques were eliminated fully or virtually completely. And 4% of persons receiving a placebo received the same result.

• Otezla for mouth ulcers caused by Behçet’s disease
• Otezla is authorized to treat mouth ulcers that occur from Behçet’s sickness.

Behçet’s illness is an autoimmune disease. It causes damage to certain blood vessels that could lead to ulcers in your mouth, rashes, and other symptoms.

Effectiveness Of Behçet’s Disease

In a clinical investigation, 53% of participants who took Otezla had their mouth ulcers entirely cured after 12 weeks. In comparison, 22% of patients applying a placebo (treatment with no active drug) had the same result.

For 30 percent of patients who took Otezla for 6 weeks, their mouth ulcers were entirely cleared and maintained cleared for another 6 weeks. In comparison, 5 percent of persons given a placebo saw the same impact.

Also, during the research, persons eating Otezla had an average of 1.5 mouth ulcers. People taking the placebo suffered an average of 2.6 mouth ulcers.

Otezla For Other Ailments

In addition to the purposes stated above, Otezla may be used off-label for other reasons. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved for one use is used for a different one that’s not approved. And you may query if Otezla is applied for some further ailments. Below is information regarding various future uses for Otezla.

Otezla For Different Kinds Of Psoriasis (Off-Label)

There are numerous varieties of psoriasis, but Otezla is only approved to treat plaque psoriasis.

However, Otezla is used off-label for individuals with guttate psoriasis, nail psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis. It’s not indicated for off-label usage in treating erythrodermic psoriasis.

If you have questions regarding treatment possibilities for psoriasis, talk with your doctor.

Otezla For Eczema (Not A Known Usage)

Eczema, often termed atopic dermatitis, can result in long-lasting or recurring rashes on the face, head, arms, and legs.

In 2012, one small research. Trusted Source researched Otezla for treating persons with eczema and determined that it lessened irritation and the degree of dermatitis. However, currently, the American Academy of Dermatology doesn’t recommend Otezla for treating eczema.

If you’d like to know about treatment options for eczema, talk with your doctor.

Otezla For Rheumatoid Arthritis (Not A Known Use)

Currently, the American College of Rheumatology doesn’t recommend Otezla for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

One clinical study. Trusted Source evaluated Otezla in folks with RA who didn’t react successfully to medication with methotrexate. Otezla didn’t improve symptoms any better than taking a sham medicine.

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If you’d like to learn about treatment options for RA, talk with your doctor.

Otezla FAQ’s

Some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Otezla are covered here.

Is There A Link Between Otezla And Hair Loss?

In clinical trials, hair loss was not observed as an adverse effect of Otezla. However, some people have complained of hair loss while taking Otezla. It’s unknown if Otezla is to blame.

Psoriasis, particularly scalp psoriasis, can result in hair loss.

Is Otezla Classified As A Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicine (NSAID)?

No, Otezla isn’t an anti-inflammatories drug. While it possesses anti-inflammatory characteristics, it does not belong to the anti-inflammatories class of medications.

Is Otezla A Drug That Suppresses The Immune System?

Otezla is a drug that inhibits the immune system. This signifies that the medication decreases (suppresses) the activity of the immune system. Otezla works by lowering inflammation brought on by an overactive immune system.

Is Otezla A Biological Drug?

On the other hand, Otezla is not a biologic. Biologics are medications generated from the cells of the immune system. Otezla, on the other hand, is a chemical (as many pharmaceuticals are) (as many drugs are) (as many drugs are).

Otezla is an immunosuppressive medication. It acts by lowering (suppressing) the activity of the immune system.

How Does Otezla Help People Lose Weight?

Weight loss is typical in those who use Otezla. Otezla-related weight loss could be caused by a variety of reasons.

Phosphodiesterase-4 is inhibited by Otezla (PDE4). This enzyme is involved in energy metabolism as well as anti-inflammatory activities. Inhibiting this enzyme in rats resulted in smaller bodies with fewer fat cells. A comparable reaction may occur in people.

Additionally, some people who use Otezla may experience diarrhea or a lack of appetite as a side effect. Furthermore, these effects may cause weight loss.

Creams Have Historically Been Used To Treat My Psoriasis. What Role Does A Tablet Have In My Psoriasis Treatment?

Topical drugs such as creams and lotions are absorbed through the skin. They reduce inflammation and excessive cell growth in the area surrounding the medication’s application site. Psoriasis drugs are frequently used as the initial line of defense.

Medication for psoriasis works from the inside out. They act by preventing the generation of chemical messengers that trigger inflammation and skin cell growth throughout the body.

Otezla Is Known To Produce Substantial Nausea And Vomiting, According To What I’ve Heard. I’m Not Sure How I’m Going To Go Around This.

Yes, Otezla can produce nausea and vomiting in a large number of persons. During the first two weeks of treatment, this is most likely to happen. This is not a serious adverse effect for the vast majority of persons, and it typically fades away with continuous usage of the medicine.

To avoid nausea and vomiting, your doctor may need to alter your dosage. If your nausea persists or gets severe, see your doctor. If dose reduction fails, you may need to stop taking Otezla.

Otezla Weight Loss and Pregnancy

There hasn’t been enough research done on humans to determine whether or not Otezla is safe to take while pregnant. When the medication is administered to the mother during pregnancy, animal studies have demonstrated that the fetus may be harmed. Human responses to experimental animals, on the other hand, are not always predicted by animal studies.

If you are pregnant, you should consult your doctor to determine whether or not Otezla is safe for you to use.

Otezla’s Pregnancy Registry Is A Database Of Women Who Are Expecting A Child.

The manufacturer of Otezla has established a registry to collect information on the safety of Otezla use during pregnancy. The registry is accessible to the public. Females who are currently taking, or who have taken, Otezla during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll in the registry.

In order to preserve health information about women and newborns who may have been affected by Otezla, the Otezla pregnancy registry was set up. Because of this information, clinicians and other individuals who use the drug will be better informed about the safety of Otezla use during pregnancy.

By calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting this website, you can learn more about the registry and its services.