Does Otezla Make You Lose Weight? Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects
If you have psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or Behçet’s disease, you may have heard of a medication called Otezla.
Otezla is a prescription drug that can help reduce the inflammation and symptoms of these conditions.
But did you know that Otezla can also make you lose weight?
In this blog post, we will explain what Otezla is, how it works, and why it can cause weight loss.
We will also tell you about the possible side effects and risks of taking Otezla, and what you should do if you are interested in trying it.
What is Otezla?
Otezla is the brand name of a drug called apremilast. It belongs to a class of drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
These drugs can slow down or stop the progression of certain diseases that are caused by an overactive immune system.
Otezla is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of three conditions:
#1 Plaque psoriasis
This is a common type of psoriasis that causes dry, itchy, red patches of skin, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
#2 Psoriatic arthritis
This is a type of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis.
It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, especially in the fingers, toes, spine, and hips.
#3 Oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s disease
This is a rare condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels and tissues of the body.
It can cause mouth sores, eye problems, skin rashes, and genital ulcers.
Otezla works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), which is involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.
By reducing the inflammation, Otezla can help improve the symptoms and quality of life of people with these conditions.
Also, read Is Baking Powder Bad for Weight Loss?
How Does Otezla Cause Weight Loss?
One of the common side effects of Otezla is weight loss.
According to the Otezla website, about 10% of people who take Otezla for plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis lose more than 5% of their body weight within the first year of treatment.
For oral ulcers, the weight loss rate is about 12%.
The exact reason why Otezla causes weight loss is not fully understood, but it may be related to its effect on appetite and metabolism.
Otezla can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, which can make you eat less and lose weight.
Otezla may also affect the hormones and signals that regulate your hunger and satiety, making you feel full faster and longer.
Some studies have suggested that Otezla may also have a direct effect on the fat cells, making them burn more calories and release less fat into the bloodstream.
This may help lower the body mass index (BMI) and the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Is Weight Loss a Good or Bad Thing?
Weight loss can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your situation.
If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can have many health benefits, such as lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, improving your mobility and joint health, and boosting your self-esteem and mood.
However, losing too much weight can be harmful if you are already at a healthy weight. It can cause malnutrition, muscle loss, bone loss, and weakness.
It can also affect your hormone levels, immune system, and mental health. Losing weight rapidly or unintentionally can be a sign of a serious medical problem, such as cancer, infection, or thyroid disorder.
Therefore, it is important to monitor your weight and talk to your doctor if you notice any significant or unexpected changes. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your weight loss and adjust your dose of Otezla or switch to another medication if needed.
What Are The Other Side Effects and Risks of Otezla?
Besides weight loss, Otezla can cause other side effects, such as:
Some of these side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention. You should tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or if they get worse while taking Otezla.
Otezla may also interact with other drugs, supplements, or foods, so you should inform your doctor of all the products you are using before starting Otezla. You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can increase the level of Otezla in your blood and cause more side effects.
Otezla is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may harm the baby. You should use effective birth control while taking Otezla and for at least one week after stopping it.
You should also not donate blood while taking Otezla and for at least one month after stopping it.
How Can I get Otezla?
Otezla is a prescription drug, so you need to see your doctor to get it. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and medical history, and decide if Otezla is right for you.
Your doctor will also monitor your progress and side effects while you are on Otezla, and adjust your dose as needed.
Otezla can be expensive, so you may need to check with your insurance company or pharmacy to see if they cover it or offer any discounts or coupons.
You can also contact the Otezla Support Plus program, which can help you with the cost and delivery of Otezla.
Summary
Otezla is a medication that can help treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers.
It can also cause weight loss, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on your situation. Otezla can have other side effects and risks, so you should talk to your doctor before taking it.
Otezla is a prescription drug, so you need to see your doctor to get it and follow their instructions carefully.
The Bottom Line
We hope this blog post has answered your question about Otezla and weight loss.
If you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
Thank you for reading!
