Vtama (tapinarof) is a topical cream that's used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. It can also treat eczema (atopic dermatitis) in people 2 years of age and older. Unlike other topical treatments for skin conditions, Vtama (tapinarof) isn't a steroid. Instead, it's an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist. It's thought to boost the activity of AhR, leading to less inflammation in the skin cells and healthier skin. Vtama (tapinarof) is applied to the affected areas once daily. But it can cause side effects on the skin like irritated hair follicles or a rash.
Plaque psoriasis in adults
Eczema in adults and children age 2 and older
Vtama (tapinarof) is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist. The exact way that the medication treats plaque psoriasis and eczema isn't known. But it's thought to boost the activity of AhR. AhR is an important protein that keeps your skin healthy and protects you from harmful substances in the environment. This could help lessen skin inflammation and improve skin health.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Only applied onto the affected areas once daily
Can apply to sensitive areas, including the face and skin folds
A different kind of medication that isn't a steroid
Can cause side effects on the skin, like red bumps and itchy rash
Not FDA approved for all types of inflammatory skin conditions
Not known whether it's safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
Only apply Vtama (tapinarof) to the affected areas of the skin. Don't put the cream anywhere else on the body, such as in the mouth, eyes, or vagina, because it could cause irritation.
Make sure to apply just a thin layer of Vtama (tapinarof) to the affected areas of skin.
Wash your hands with soap and water after you apply Vtama (tapinarof), unless you're treating plaque psoriasis or eczema that's on your hands. If someone else helps you apply the cream, they should wash their hands too.
Vtama (tapinarof) can cause skin reactions where it's applied. Let your prescriber know if you experience irritation, itching, redness, burning, pain, or changes in skin color where you applied the cream.
Keep Vtama (tapinarof) at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It's okay if it goes slightly above or below the recommended range for a little while. But be sure to protect your medication from freezing or extreme heat.
The typical dose is to apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas of skin once daily.
Plaque psoriasis in adults
Eczema in adults and children age 2 and older
Plaque psoriasis - cream, ointment, foam
Scalp psoriasis - foam, solution
Mild-to-moderate eczema in people 6 years and older - 0.15% cream only
Plaque psoriasis in people 6 years and older - 0.3% cream only
Seborrheic dermatitis in people 9 years and older - 0.3% foam only
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Bissonnette, R., et al. (2021). Tapinarof in the treatment of psoriasis: A review of the unique mechanism of action of a novel therapeutic aryl hydrocarbon receptor–modulating agent. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dermavant Sciences, Inc. (2022). FDA approves Dermavant’s Vtama® (tapinarof) cream, 1% for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults: First topical novel chemical entity launched for psoriasis in the U.S. in 25 years.
Dermavant Sciences, Inc. (2024). Vtama- tapinarof cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Lebwohl, M. G., et al. (2021). Phase 3 trials of tapinarof cream for plaque psoriasis. The New England Journal of Medicine.
Nogueira, S., et al. (2022). Tapinarof for the treatment of psoriasis. Dermatologic Therapy.
Silverberg, J. I., et al. (2024). Tapinarof cream 1% once daily: Significant efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children down to 2 years of age in the pivotal phase 3 ADORING trials. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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