{"id":4208,"date":"2026-09-05T17:03:48","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T14:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/?p=4208"},"modified":"2026-09-05T17:04:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T14:04:40","slug":"fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Fact Check_ Otezla Depression Side Effects &#038; Medical Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fact_Check_Otezla_Depression_Side_Effects_Medical_Care\"><\/span>Fact Check: Otezla Depression Side Effects &amp; Medical Care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Verdict: True, but uncommon.<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/#Fact_Check_Otezla_Depression_Side_Effects_Medical_Care\" >Fact Check: Otezla Depression Side Effects &amp; Medical Care<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/#What_does_the_evidence_show\" >What does the evidence show?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/#Who_may_be_at_higher_risk\" >Who may be at higher risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/#Symptoms_to_watch_for\" >Symptoms to watch for<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/#What_should_patients_do\" >What should patients do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/#Medical_care_recommendations\" >Medical care recommendations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/fact-check_-otezla-depression-side-effects-medical-care\/#Bottom_line\" >Bottom line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Otezla (apremilast)<\/strong> carries an FDA-approved warning that treatment <strong>may be associated with new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes<\/strong>. This does <strong>not<\/strong> mean everyone taking Otezla will develop depression, but healthcare providers are advised to carefully weigh the benefits and risks, especially in people with a history of depression or suicidal behavior. <span class=\"\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center select-none relative top-[-0.094rem] translate-y-0.5 animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" style=\"width: 116px;\"><span class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl pe-2 ps-1 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! select-none\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\" style=\"opacity: 1; transform: none;\"><span class=\"flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1\"><span class=\"inline-flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full\"><\/span><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">FDA Access Data<\/span><\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_the_evidence_show\"><\/span>What does the evidence show?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Clinical trials found that depression-related adverse events occurred in a <strong>small percentage<\/strong> of patients:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Psoriatic arthritis:<\/strong> Depression or depressed mood occurred in <strong>1.0%<\/strong> of people taking Otezla versus <strong>0.8%<\/strong> receiving placebo.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>A small number of patients discontinued treatment because of depression.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Rare cases of suicidal ideation and behavior have also been reported during clinical development and post-marketing surveillance. <span class=\"\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center select-none relative top-[-0.094rem] translate-y-0.5 animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" style=\"width: 110px;\"><span class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl pe-2 ps-1 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! select-none\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\" style=\"opacity: 1; transform: none;\"><span class=\"flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1\"><span class=\"inline-flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full\"><\/span><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">FDA Access Data<\/span><\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Although the absolute risk is low, the warning is considered clinically important because mood changes can be serious.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_may_be_at_higher_risk\"><\/span>Who may be at higher risk?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Extra caution is recommended for people who have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>A personal history of depression<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Previous suicidal thoughts or attempts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Other significant psychiatric conditions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Family members or caregivers who notice changes in mood or behavior<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before starting Otezla, clinicians should discuss these risks and determine whether the medication is appropriate. <span class=\"\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center select-none relative top-[-0.094rem] translate-y-0.5 animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" style=\"width: 110px;\"><span class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl pe-2 ps-1 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! select-none\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\" style=\"opacity: 1; transform: none;\"><span class=\"flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1\"><span class=\"inline-flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full\"><\/span><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">FDA Access Data<\/span><\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_to_watch_for\"><\/span>Symptoms to watch for<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Seek medical advice promptly if you notice:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Persistent sadness<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Loss of interest in activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Increased anxiety or irritability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Feelings of hopelessness<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Major personality or mood changes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Thoughts of self-harm or suicide<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Do <strong>not<\/strong> ignore these symptoms or assume they will resolve on their own.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_patients_do\"><\/span>What should patients do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If mood changes develop while taking Otezla:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p>Contact your prescribing healthcare professional as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Do <strong>not<\/strong> stop the medication without medical guidance unless instructed to do so.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Your clinician may reassess whether continuing Otezla is appropriate or recommend an alternative treatment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Family members and caregivers should also monitor for behavioral changes, particularly during the first weeks of therapy. <span class=\"\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center select-none relative top-[-0.094rem] translate-y-0.5 animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" style=\"width: 110px;\"><span class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl pe-2 ps-1 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! select-none\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\" style=\"opacity: 1; transform: none;\"><span class=\"flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1\"><span class=\"inline-flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full\"><\/span><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">FDA Access Data<\/span><\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_care_recommendations\"><\/span>Medical care recommendations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Healthcare providers generally recommend:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Reviewing mental health history before prescribing Otezla.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Educating patients and caregivers about potential mood-related side effects.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Monitoring for depression or suicidal thinking during treatment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Reassessing the balance of benefits and risks if psychiatric symptoms emerge. <span class=\"\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center select-none relative top-[-0.094rem] translate-y-0.5 animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" style=\"width: 110px;\"><span class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl pe-2 ps-1 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! select-none\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\" style=\"opacity: 1; transform: none;\"><span class=\"flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1\"><span class=\"inline-flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full\"><\/span><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">FDA Access Data<\/span><\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_line\"><\/span>Bottom line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The claim that <strong>Otezla can cause depression<\/strong> is <strong>supported by official prescribing information<\/strong>. However, depression-related side effects are <strong>uncommon<\/strong>, affecting only a small proportion of patients in clinical trials. Most people do <strong>not<\/strong> experience this complication, but anyone taking Otezla should be aware of possible mood changes and seek prompt medical evaluation if they occur. <span class=\"\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center select-none relative top-[-0.094rem] translate-y-0.5 animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" style=\"width: 110px;\"><span class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl pe-2 ps-1 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! select-none\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between\" style=\"opacity: 1; transform: none;\"><span class=\"flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-1\"><span class=\"inline-flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full\"><\/span><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">FDA Access Data<\/span><\/span><span class=\"-me-1 flex h-full items-center rounded-full px-1 text-[#8F8F8F]\">+1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fact Check: Otezla Depression Side Effects &amp; Medical Care Verdict: True, but uncommon. Otezla (apremilast) carries an FDA-approved warning that treatment may be associated with new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes. This does not mean everyone taking Otezla will develop depression, but healthcare providers are advised to carefully weigh the benefits&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[730],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-depression"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4208"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6030,"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4208\/revisions\/6030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4208"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4208"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wniss.com\/en-gb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}