Frequently asked questions about Otezla
Whether you’ve recently started taking Otezla or you’re considering it, chances are, you’ve got some questions. Below, we’ve collected a few of the most frequently asked questions. Have a read through, and click the links below each section to learn more.
What is Otezla?
Otezla is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate.
Otezla is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.
No, Otezla is not a biologic.
Taking Otezla
When you first start Otezla, you will gradually increase your dose over the first 5 days until you reach your recommended dose. Otezla is a pill you take once in the morning and once at night, every day—but on your first day, you only take one pill. People with severe kidney disease will take Otezla once a day.
This gradual increase over the first 5 days is meant to help reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms related to initial treatment with Otezla.
Be sure to take Otezla as directed by your doctor.
When you first start Otezla, you will gradually increase your dose over the first 5 days until you reach your recommended dose. Otezla is a pill you take once in the morning and once at night, every day—but on your first day, you only take one pill. People with severe kidney disease will take Otezla once a day.
This gradual increase over the first 5 days is meant to help reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms related to initial treatment with Otezla.
Be sure to take Otezla as directed by your doctor.
The most common side effects of Otezla were diarrhea, nausea, and headache. In most people, these side effects occurred within the first 2 weeks of treatment and tended to go away over time without stopping Otezla. Tell your doctor if any of these occur.
If you are experiencing side effects, you can call Otezla SupportPlus™ to speak with a nurse. Give us a ring at 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952).
And remember, your doctor is the best source of information for you. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
Otezla has not been studied in pregnant women or in women who are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or planning to breastfeed.
Yes, there are certain medications that can make Otezla less effective. It’s important to discuss all the medications you’re currently taking with your doctor. It may help to compile a list, and bring that list to your appointment. You can also ask a pharmacist if you should not take some medications with Otezla.
How Otezla works
The exact way in which Otezla works in people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis is not completely understood. Based on laboratory studies, what is known is that Otezla blocks the activity of an enzyme inside the body called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). PDE4 is found inside the inflammatory cells in the body, and is thought to affect the process of inflammation. By blocking PDE4 activity, Otezla is thought to indirectly affect the production of inflammatory molecules, helping to reduce inflammation inside the body. Click here to learn more, or watch the video below.
Otezla is proven to reduce the joint swelling, tenderness, and pain of psoriatic arthritis and to improve the ability to perform physical activities, after just 4 months in some people.
In clinical studies, some people also experienced improvement in physical activities of daily living, joint pain, and swelling of joints affected by psoriatic arthritis (fingers, toes, knees, and heels).
Learn more about Otezla for treating psoriatic arthritis
See what people currently taking Otezla to treat their active psoriatic arthritis have to say about treatment. Check out the video below.
Resources and support
Yes! We’ve created a video in which a panel of experts (a board-certified dermatologist, an Otezla patient support specialist, and an actual Otezla patient) touch on each of these topics.
It’s a great resource for anyone who’s looking for a well-rounded introduction to Otezla.
We know starting a treatment can mean a lot to keep track of. That’s why we’ve created the GOtezla® app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play. With symptom tracking, personalized tips, and more, the GOtezla app is designed to help you get the resources and support you need for the first 30 days of treatment—and beyond.
Remember, your doctor is always your best resource for any questions you might have about treatment.
You'll find stories from people living with psoriatic arthritis and currently taking Otezla on our Patient Stories page—or, you can check out the video below, which features people currently taking Otezla talking about their decision-making process in selecting Otezla as a treatment.
Getting Otezla
Your Otezla prescription will come to you each month via a specialty pharmacy. Never worked with one before? Here’s the deal: specialty pharmacies operate much like retail pharmacies, but they provide additional services and deliver your medication to your door each month. Your specialty pharmacy will coordinate delivery of your Otezla prescription and offer support, including access to pharmacists, refill reminders when you’re running low on medication, and more.
Learn about getting your Otezla prescription
For questions about eligibility and coverage, please call our SupportPlus™ team at 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952). Our advocates are available 8 am – 8 pm ET, Monday – Friday.
People with commercial insurance are eligible for a $0 co-pay* with the Otezla Savings Program. To take advantage of the savings available to you, ask your specialty pharmacy about the $0 co-pay offer or give our SupportPlus™ advocates a call.
Regardless of what type of insurance (or lack of insurance) you have, we're committed to helping you find ways to save on treatment.
Start saving with a co-pay card
*Certain restrictions apply; eligibility not based on income, must be 18 years or older. This offer is not valid for persons eligible for reimbursement of this product, in whole or in part under Medicaid, Medicare, or similar state or federal programs. Offer not valid for cash-paying patients. People who are not eligible can call 1-844-4OTEZLA to discuss other financial assistance opportunities.
To make sure you’re getting all the latest information on Otezla, including savings offers, helpful tools to stay on track with treatment, and more, sign up for Otezla SupportPlus. To see how SupportPlus has helped people currently taking Otezla, check out the video below.
Getting involved
You'll find more information about this on our page about talking to your rheumatologist—but the video below might also help. It features people currently taking Otezla talking about how they advocate for their health.
If you're interested in being an Otezla Patient Ambassador, call 1-855-697-3968. Telling your story is a great way to help others living with psoriatic disease. You can also get involved in local events or online events. Find some in your area here. To see what others currently living with psoriatic disease have to say about raising awareness, check out the video below.
About psoriatic arthritis & plaque psoriasis
Many people with psoriatic arthritis have symptoms of plaque psoriasis, too. Additionally, studies have shown that up to 30% of people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It’s a form of arthritis that can affect people who have psoriasis. Some of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint swelling, tenderness, and pain.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin in the form of red, scaly plaques.