Otezla weight loss

Otezla (apremilast) is approved for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers in Behçet’s disease. Clinical studies also showed weight loss effects:

  • Average loss of 3.33 lb on Otezla 30 mg twice daily over one year
  • About 19% of patients lost more than 5% of baseline body weight after one year

Losing at least 5% can improve psoriatic arthritis activity and quality of life. Patients with psoriasis face higher cardiovascular risks—hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are more common than in the general population.

A September 2022 study measured aortic inflammation, body composition, and cardiometabolic biomarkers in Otezla-treated patients. No significant change was seen in aortic inflammation, but visceral and subcutaneous fat decreased by 5–6%. Reducing visceral fat may lower heart attack and stroke risk, though further research is needed.

Otezla FAQs

What is Otezla used for?

Otezla treats adults with:

  • Active psoriatic arthritis
  • Plaque psoriasis in candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy
  • Oral ulcers from Behçet’s disease

It is not approved for rheumatoid arthritis.

How does Otezla work?

Apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, lowers inflammation by blocking the PDE4 enzyme in immune cells.

What are the side effects of Otezla?

Common side effects:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Headache

Other possible side effects:

  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Joint, back, or stomach pain
  • Indigestion
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Common cold symptoms

Rare serious side effects:

  • Allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Severe gastrointestinal side effects
  • Increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Significant weight loss

What should you tell your healthcare provider before taking Otezla?

  • Allergy to apremilast or any inactive ingredients
  • History of depression or other mood disorders
  • Kidney disease
  • Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed

Is Otezla safe to take with other medications?

Avoid strong CYP450 enzyme inducers:

  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • Carbamazepine
  • Phenobarbital

What should you do if you miss a dose of Otezla?

Take it as soon as you remember. If near the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double-dose.

How long does it take to see results on Otezla?

Some patients notice benefit in the first few weeks, with most seeing significant improvement by 3–4 months:

  • Joint symptoms in psoriatic arthritis improve by 4 months
  • Skin clearance in psoriasis by 4 months
  • Oral ulcer relief in Behçet’s disease by 3 months

When do you start losing weight on Otezla?

An analysis showed average loss of 3.33 lb at 16 weeks on 30 mg twice daily. By one year, 19% lost over 5% of baseline weight.

How common is depression with Otezla?

  • Psoriatic arthritis trials: 1% on Otezla vs. 0.8% placebo
  • Plaque psoriasis trials: 1.3% on Otezla vs. 0.4% placebo
  • Behçet’s disease trials: 1% on Otezla vs. 1% placebo

Does Otezla affect appetite?

Otezla can decrease appetite and cause gastrointestinal side effects leading to weight loss.

How does Otezla work on psoriasis?

PDE4 inhibition reduces inflammation and slows keratinocyte overgrowth, clearing plaques.

Related Medications

  • Rituxan (rituximab)
  • Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib)
  • Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
  • Actemra (tocilizumab)
  • Orencia (abatacept)

Sources