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Vtama Coupon - Vtama 60g of 1% tube of cream

Vtama

tapinarof
Used for Plaque Psoriasis
Used for Plaque Psoriasis

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 20, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Vtama (tapinarof)?

What is Vtama (tapinarof) used for?

How Vtama (tapinarof) works

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.

When does Vtama (tapinarof) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVtama
Drug ClassAryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Vtama (tapinarof)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Plaque psoriasis:
  • Red, raised bumps around the hair pores (20%)
  • Symptoms of the common cold (11%)
  • Rash (7%)
Eczema:

Other Side Effects

Plaque psoriasis:
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Flu-like symptoms
Eczema:
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Ear infection
  • Pain in the arms and legs
  • Stomach pain
When do Vtama (tapinarof) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Inflamed hair follicles
Rash

Source: DailyMed

More on Vtama (tapinarof) side effects

vtama: side effects vtama

5 Vtama Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

The following side effects have also been reported

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):

  • Headache
  • Irritation at application site
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Small, red, pus-filled bumps on skin around hair follicles
  • Sore throat
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Vtama (tapinarof)

thumbs-up

Pros

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

thumbs-down

Cons

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Vtama (tapinarof)

pharmacist

  • 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.

            More on Vtama (tapinarof) tips

            Vtama: VTAMA product on yellow background CourtesyofDermavant

            How Long Does Vtama Take to Work for Plaque Psoriasis? Plus, 6 Other FAQs

            Written by Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP
            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Vtama (tapinarof)

            Is Vtama (tapinarof) a steroid?
            No, Vtama (tapinarof) isn't a steroid. Vtama (tapinarof) is a steroid-free option for people with inflammatory skin conditions who want to avoid using topical steroids. Ask your prescriber if Vtama (tapinarof) is a good choice for you.
            Is Vtama (tapinarof) a biologic?
            No, Vtama (tapinarof) isn't a biologic. Biologics are medications that come from living sources and are typically given as injections. Vtama (tapinarof) is a chemical-based cream.
            Can you use Vtama (tapinarof) on your face?
            If your plaque psoriasis or eczema affects your face, you can use Vtama (tapinarof) on your face. Make sure to apply the cream as a thin layer only to the areas of the face that are affected by the skin condition though. Wash your hands after you apply Vtama (tapinarof) so that the medication doesn't accidentally get onto other places.
            Where can I apply Vtama (tapinarof)?
            Apply Vtama (tapinarof) as a thin layer onto the skin that's affected by plaque psoriasis or eczema. If affected, this can include the face or other sensitive areas like skin folds, the neck, and underarms. But avoid getting the medication into your eyes, mouth, or vagina because it can cause irritation. Wash your hands after applying Vtama (tapinarof) (unless you're treating the skin condition on your hands) so that you don't accidentally get the medication onto other places.
            How often you do apply Vtama (tapinarof)?
            Apply Vtama (tapinarof) onto the affected areas of skin just once daily. Using the cream more than once daily can lead to skin irritation or other harmful effects.
            How long does Vtama (tapinarof) take to work?
            In clinical studies for plaque psoriasis, some people saw that their skin cleared up either completely or almost completely within a few weeks of using Vtama (tapinarof). But it could take a few months for the medication to work fully for others. And in clinical studies for eczema, some people noted improvement in their symptoms after 8 weeks of using Vtama (tapinarof). If you aren't seeing a difference in your skin after using Vtama (tapinarof) as directed, speak with your dermatologist or prescriber.
            What's the difference between Zoryve and Vtama?
            Vtama (tapinarof) and Zoryve (roflumilast) are both steroid-free creams that you use once a day for treating eczema and plaque psoriasis. But there are some key differences. Zoryve can treat both conditions in people 6 years and older. But Vtama is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults only and eczema in people 2 years and older. These medications also work in different ways to lessen skin inflammation. Talk to your prescriber or dermatologist to learn more about the differences and see which one is right for you.
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            dosage

            Vtama (tapinarof) dosage forms

            Typical dosing for Vtama (tapinarof)

            The typical dose is to apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas of skin once daily.

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            How much does Vtama (tapinarof) cost?

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            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Vtama (tapinarof)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Vtama (tapinarof). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Vtama (tapinarof)
            Used for:
            $1462.54 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Calcipotriene
            Used for:
            $55.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Zoryve (roflumilast)
            Used for:

            • 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

            $906.88 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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            References

            Best studies we found

            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.

            View All References (3)

            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.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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