# New to Otezla (Apremilast). Question about side effects **URL:** \ **Category:** Medications\ **Created:** [September 4, 2015, 1:53pm UTC](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/t/new-to-otezla-apremilast-question-about-side-effects/4305 "2015-09-04T13:53:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![janeatiu](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/janeatiu/32/3886_2.png) [@janeatiu](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/u/janeatiu)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2015, 1:53pm UTC](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/t/new-to-otezla-apremilast-question-about-side-effects/4305/1 "2015-09-04T13:53:00Z")
Hey PsA pals, I'm in my second week of Otezla. I had some very uncomfortable gastric responses to the initial titration dose but--thankfully--these have subsided somewhat. I have been taking Zantac before meals to ease the gas I had been experiencing but I do still feel nauseated after taking the pill depending upon what I ate when I took it. I don't want to take Zantac forever, but I am worried for those around me at home and work about what will happen if I don't take it (toot toot!). Do any of you who have been on Otezla for longer have any suggestions or comments about your experience. Do the gastric problems dissipate with time? Do you \_always\_ have to take it with meals? Thanks is advance for your counsel! ---
**Author:** ![Needs\_answers](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/needs_answers/32/2160_2.png) [@Needs\_answers](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/u/Needs_answers)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2015, 5:57pm UTC](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/t/new-to-otezla-apremilast-question-about-side-effects/4305/2 "2015-09-04T17:57:39Z")
The G.I.. side effects did get somewhat better for me. I take a zantac at night before bed, and am guessing I will probably have to as long as I am on the Otezla. You may already know this, but what helped me most with my stomach pain, gas and frequent bathroom trips was gas-x ultra. I take one (or two if I feel badly) with each dose of Otezla. It really helped more than anything. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![janeatiu](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/janeatiu/32/3886_2.png) [@janeatiu](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/u/janeatiu)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/t/new-to-otezla-apremilast-question-about-side-effects/4305/3 "2015-09-04T18:16:40Z")
Thanks for your reply. Zantac before morning and evening meals when I take the pill has really helped. It does seem to be an odd side effect, though! My hope is that things will continue to improve. I tend to skip meals when I'm not very hungry or if I'm fatigued and sleep late. And that's not really possible with this medicine. Needs answers said: > The G.I.. side effects did get somewhat better for me. I take a zantac at night before bed, and am guessing I will probably have to as long as I am on the Otezla. You may already know this, but what helped me most with my stomach pain, gas and frequent bathroom trips was gas-x ultra. I take one (or two if I feel badly) with each dose of Otezla. It really helped more than anything. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![GrumpyCat](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/grumpycat/32/969_2.png) [@GrumpyCat](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/u/GrumpyCat)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2015, 6:51am UTC](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/t/new-to-otezla-apremilast-question-about-side-effects/4305/4 "2015-09-07T06:51:15Z")
Looks like I dodged a bullet with this one. The doc offered it to me prior to Enbrel. I am so glad you mentioned this though; I have enough GI issues already! One more would send my family packing. ---
**Author:** ![janeatiu](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/janeatiu/32/3886_2.png) [@janeatiu](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/u/janeatiu)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2015, 3:14pm UTC](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/t/new-to-otezla-apremilast-question-about-side-effects/4305/5 "2015-09-08T15:14:41Z")
Hey GrumpyCat, I'm on day 13 now and things seemed to have settled down a little more. I don't have to take the Zantac before each meal or before my medication. And the nausea has almost completely abated. I feel that my energy level is picking up. I'm not noticing massive improvements in my joints but I do feel better than before I started it. GrumpyCat said: > Looks like I dodged a bullet with this one. The doc offered it to me prior to Enbrel. I am so glad you mentioned this though; I have enough GI issues already! One more would send my family packing. ---
**Author:** ![Jules\_G](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/jules_g/32/3938_2.png) [@Jules\_G](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/u/Jules_G)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2015, 5:12pm UTC](https://discussion.livingwithpsoriaticarthritis.org/t/new-to-otezla-apremilast-question-about-side-effects/4305/6 "2015-09-08T17:12:45Z")
Hey, Jane that is good news :-). All credit to you for sticking with it. Since my GI brush with ssz I've been a bit anxious about my stomach and how sensitive it has become so when I was in the supermarket earlier today I spotted and have bought a new juice drink called "simplee aloe" and wondered how this might be for those of us with stomach problems - medication or otherwise? I will report back!