Does Otezla cause weight gain?

No, Otezla does not cause weight gain, in fact, it is more likely to cause weight loss. In a pooled analysis of two large trials, ESTEEM 1 and ESTEEM 2, the average change in weight from the start of the trial to week 16 was -1.51 kg, or -3.33 lb for patients receiving Otezla 30mg twice daily. By week 52, approximately 19% of patients had lost more than 5% of their starting weight. Nobody described their weight loss as serious although two patients discontinued treatment because of weight loss.

The exact mechanism for weight loss with Otezla has not been determined, but no association has been found between weight loss and diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, but it may be related to the phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitory activity of Otezla. Patients treated with Otezla should have their weight monitored regularly and discontinuation of Otezla may need to be considered If unexplained or clinically significant weight loss occurs.

Otezla is a PDE4 inhibitor that may be used to treat adults with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet’s Disease. It can also be given to children 6 years of age and older, weighing at least 20 kg, with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.