Otezla - anyone on this?

TrishaW

Hi everyone,
I've not been on the forum for ages as I've been busy having surgery, physio etc and generally trying to manage my seemingly worsening inflammatory arthritis.
Anyway, my rheumatologist wants me to try a new drug called Otezla (used in psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis)
As all other DMARDs I've taken have made me rather ill (and had to be discontinued) I'm quite anxious about taking this, but equally rather desperate to do something!
Apparently it works in a different way to other DMARDs.
Has anyone taken/been offered Otezla, and if so, what is their experience of this drug?
Thanks for your help,
Trisha

[Deleted User]

Hi Trisha
and welcome to the forum. Otezla also known as Apremilast is a PDE4 inhibitor so it does work differently from other DMARDS. It would be worth talking through with your rheumatologist about how it works differently and what are the important side effects to look out for.
There is a little bit of information from the NHS here http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/en/Medicines-Awareness/Guidance-and-Advice/Drug-Prescribing/New-product-Otezla-apremilast-30mg-tablets/
Hopefully one of our members will be able to tell you what it is like to take this drug. Meanwhile ask as many questions as you like that is what we are here for.

Best Wishes
Sharon

[Deleted User]

Hi Trisha
I have found some passed threads on this subject that might be useful for you but please bear in mind we all react differently to drugs as you will see from these
http://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=46475&p=613927&hilit=Otezla#p613927
and here http://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=45322&hilit=Otezla
and lastly this one http://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=42342&hilit=Otezla
Best Wishes
Sharon

stickywicket

Hello again. Lovely to see you I hope the surgery and physio have done the trick for whichever bit(s) of you needed it.

I'm afraid, although I've heard of this med, I know nothing about it. I hope it helps though.