If you’re currently taking Otezla or considering it as a treatment option, you might be wondering about its potential side effects. does Otezla cause weight loss? This is a common concern among patients prescribed Otezla, a medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
While Otezla is FDA-approved and generally well-tolerated, many users have reported unexpected changes in their weight. For some, this includes unintentional weight loss that may raise questions about the drug’s impact on metabolism and appetite. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the connection between Otezla and weight loss, including what clinical studies say, real patient experiences, and when you should be concerned.
Whether you’ve just started Otezla or have been on it for a while, understanding how it may affect your body is essential for managing your health. Let’s dive deeper into the facts.
What Is Otezla?
Otezla (generic name: apremilast) is an FDA-approved prescription medication primarily used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s disease. It is manufactured by Amgen and belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Unlike biologics that are injected or infused, Otezla is a tablet taken orally, making it a convenient option for long-term treatment of autoimmune conditions. It works by regulating the immune system and decreasing the activity of certain inflammatory substances that contribute to painful and visible symptoms.
As more people begin using this medication, questions like “does Otezla cause weight loss?” have become more common. While its primary function is to relieve skin inflammation and joint pain, some patients have reported unintended weight changes as a side effect, prompting deeper discussions about Otezla’s impact on body weight.
Understanding what Otezla is and how it works is the first step in recognizing how it might affect your overall health.
How Otezla Works in the Body
Otezla (apremilast) is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, which means it works by targeting a specific enzyme involved in the inflammatory process. In autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the immune system becomes overactive, leading to excessive inflammation, redness, joint pain, and skin flare-ups.
By inhibiting the PDE4 enzyme, Otezla helps regulate the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within cells. This action reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing the production of anti-inflammatory ones. As a result, it helps calm down the overactive immune response, easing symptoms like itching, scaling, joint stiffness, and discomfort.
Since Otezla alters immune function and inflammation at a cellular level, some patients may notice systemic effects, including changes in appetite, energy levels, or metabolism.
Although weight loss is not the intended outcome of the medication, it can be a secondary effect for certain users. As we’ll explore in the next sections, the mechanism by which Otezla interacts with inflammatory pathways may indirectly contribute to changes in body weight for some individuals.
Common Side Effects of Otezla
Like many prescription medications, Otezla (apremilast) comes with a range of potential side effects. While most users tolerate it well, it’s important to understand the common symptoms that may occur especially if you’re wondering does Otezla cause weight loss or affect other areas of your health.
According to clinical trials and FDA data, the most frequently reported side effects of Otezla include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms are most common during the first few weeks of treatment and may contribute to reduced appetite or unintentional weight loss in some individuals.
Headache and Fatigue
- Mild to moderate headaches are reported in some users.
- Fatigue or low energy levels may also occur, especially during the initial adjustment period.
Depression and Mood Changes
Although rare, some patients report feelings of depression, anxiety, or mood swings. This is why regular mental health check-ins are advised when starting Otezla.
Weight Loss
While not experienced by everyone, weight loss has been documented as a notable side effect in both clinical studies and patient reports.
It’s worth noting that not all patients experience these side effects, and many report positive results with minimal discomfort. However, monitoring your body’s response especially if you’re experiencing unexplained weight changes is crucial.
Is Weight Loss a Known Side Effect?
Yes, weight loss is a recognized and documented side effect of Otezla, though it does not occur in every patient. In fact, during clinical trials, a significant number of patients reported experiencing unexplained weight loss while taking the medication.
According to the FDA prescribing information, approximately 10% of Otezla users experienced a weight loss of 5% or more of their body weight during treatment. This side effect was more common among those who also experienced nausea, diarrhea, or a reduced appetite symptoms that often accompany the early stages of treatment.
However, the mechanism behind this weight loss is not fully understood. It’s believed that the way Otezla modulates the immune system and inflammatory response may have indirect effects on metabolism and appetite, potentially leading to gradual weight loss in some individuals.
It’s important to note that not everyone will lose weight on Otezla. In many cases, patients maintain a stable weight throughout treatment. But if you’re concerned and wondering does Otezla cause weight loss in a way that could affect your health, it’s essential to monitor your weight regularly and report significant changes to your healthcare provider.
The next section will explore what clinical research and studies reveal about Otezla’s relationship with weight changes, helping to provide a clearer picture based on scientific evidence.
Clinical Studies on Otezla and Weight Changes
To answer the question “does Otezla cause weight loss” from a scientific standpoint, it’s important to look at what clinical research says. Multiple studies conducted during Otezla’s clinical trials have documented a consistent pattern of unintentional weight loss among a subset of patients.
Key Findings from Clinical Trials
In the ESTEEM 1 and ESTEEM 2 clinical trials, which were large-scale, placebo-controlled studies for patients with plaque psoriasis, researchers found that:
- 10% to 12% of patients taking Otezla lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared to only 2% in the placebo group.
- The average weight loss was typically modest but noticeable over several weeks or months of treatment.
- Weight loss was often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, especially nausea and diarrhea, which may have led to reduced calorie intake.
In another clinical study involving patients with psoriatic arthritis, similar trends were observed. Again, a significant portion of users reported weight loss, especially during the first 3 months of starting the medication.
Tips to Manage Weight While Taking Otezla
If you’re currently on Otezla and have noticed changes in your weight, you’re not alone. Many patients ask, “does Otezla cause weight loss?”, especially after experiencing a drop in appetite or unexpected weight reduction. While weight loss is a known side effect in some users, the good news is that there are simple, effective strategies to manage your weight and maintain a balanced lifestyle while taking this medication.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy and nourished during your Otezla treatment:
Eat Small, Nutrient-Dense Meals
If you’re struggling with appetite loss or nausea, try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Focus on high-protein, high-calorie, and nutrient-rich foods like avocados, nuts, Greek yogurt, and whole grains to support your energy needs without overwhelming your stomach.
Stay Hydrated
Nausea and diarrhea are two common Otezla side effects and can lead to dehydration, which may worsen appetite loss. Drinking enough water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich drinks can help restore balance and reduce digestive discomfort.
Incorporate Light Physical Activity
Even light exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga can help stimulate your appetite and support healthy metabolism. Regular movement also improves mood and energy levels, which may help counteract fatigue or emotional side effects associated with Otezla.
Manage Stress and Mood
Stress and emotional changes can influence both your weight and your eating habits. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or withdrawn, which are rare but possible side effects of Otezla. Consider talking to a therapist or healthcare provider. Mental health support can help you stay on track with both your medication and nutritional goals.
Should You Stop Taking Otezla Due to Weight Loss?
Experiencing weight loss while on a new medication can be unsettling, especially if it’s unintentional or affecting your energy levels. This leads many patients to ask, “Should I stop taking Otezla if I’m losing weight?” and more broadly, “does Otezla cause weight loss in a way that’s harmful?”
The short answer is: not necessarily.
While Otezla does cause weight loss in some individuals, the amount is usually mild to moderate and not dangerous for most people. However, whether or not you should stop taking the medication depends on a few key factors:
How Much Weight Are You Losing?
- If you’ve lost more than 5% of your body weight in a short period (e.g., 1–2 months), it’s important to bring this up with your doctor.
- A gradual, small amount of weight loss especially during the first 8–12 weeks of Otezla is considered common and often levels out over time.
Are You Experiencing Other Side Effects?
- If your weight loss is accompanied by severe nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, or mood changes, it might indicate your body is reacting strongly to the drug.
- These combined symptoms may interfere with your quality of life, and in such cases, a dosage adjustment or alternative treatment may be recommended.
What Does Your Doctor Say?
- Never stop taking Otezla without medical advice. Abruptly stopping your medication could lead to a flare-up of your underlying condition, whether it’s psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
- Your doctor may recommend a lower dosage, temporary discontinuation, or switching to another medication if the weight loss is concerning or impacting your health.
When It’s Safe to Continue
- If the weight loss is minimal and stabilizes after the initial adjustment period, your doctor may encourage you to continue treatment.
- Many patients who experience early weight loss regain stability after their bodies adapt to Otezla.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering, “does Otezla cause weight loss?”, the answer is: yes, it can though not for everyone. Clinical studies and patient experiences confirm that unintentional weight loss is a known side effect, most commonly occurring during the first few months of treatment. For some, it’s mild and temporary. For others, it can be more noticeable and may require dietary or medical adjustments.
It’s important to remember that Otezla remains an effective, FDA-approved treatment for conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Its ability to reduce inflammation, improve skin appearance, and ease joint discomfort makes it a valuable option for many people. However, as with any medication, being informed and proactive about side effects.
If you notice unexpected weight loss while taking Otezla:
- Don’t panic.
- Track your symptoms.
- Speak with your doctor.
- Consider working with a dietitian if needed.
Ultimately, the decision to continue or stop Otezla should always be made with a healthcare provider who understands your complete medical picture. When monitored correctly, most patients are able to manage side effects and benefit from the long-term relief Otezla offers.