New Psoriasis Medications: 8 Drugs Seeking FDA Approval
Psoriasis treatment is reaching new heights with several drugs in development. Learn more about new potential psoriasis medications in the trial pipeline here.
Vtama
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.
What is Vtama (tapinarof)?
What is Vtama (tapinarof) used for?
- Plaque psoriasis in adults
- Eczema in adults and children age 2 and older
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:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vtama |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Vtama (tapinarof) essentials
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:
- Upper respiratory tract infection (12%)
- Red, raised bumps around the hair pores (9%)
- Lower respiratory tract infection (5%)
Less Common 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:
H
D
W
M
Inflamed hair follicles
Rash
More on Vtama (tapinarof) side effects
The following Vtama (tapinarof) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
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
Get your GoodRx coupon
$1908.23
GoodRx discount
$1523.61
Pros and cons of Vtama (tapinarof)
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
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 for Vtama (tapinarof)
- 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 (tapinarof) dosage
The average cost for 1 tube of 60g of 1% of Vtama (tapinarof) is $1,523.61 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.16% off the average retail price of $1,908.23. 
Tube of cream
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60g of 1% | 1 tube | $1,523.61 | $1,523.61 |
Typical dosage for Vtama (tapinarof)
The typical dose is to apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas of skin once daily.
How much does Vtama (tapinarof) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Vtama (brand)
$1,523.61
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.
News about Vtama (tapinarof)
5 Vtama Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Read on to learn the side effects of Vtama (tapinarof), including common side effects, and how to manage them.
How Much Is Vtama Without Insurance?
Learn more about how much 1 tube of Vtama cream costs without insurance and the best ways to save with GoodRx.
7 Topical Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis can’t be cured, but there are treatments to help manage your symptoms. Learn more about the topical options for scalp psoriasis with GoodRx.
How Long Does Vtama Take to Work for Plaque Psoriasis? Plus, 6 Other FAQs
Vtama, or tapinarof, starts working immediately, but it may take 4 to 12 weeks to see improvement for plaque psoriasis. Here’s how Vtama works.
Vtama (tapinarof) images
