Vtama Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Vtama Cream (tapinarof) is a steroid-free, topical prescription medication belonging to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist class. It is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children aged 2 years and older. It works by calming the skin's immune response and reducing inflammation. It is applied as a 1% cream, typically once daily, as directed by a doctor.

What is Vtama Cream

Vtama (tapinarof) 1% cream is a steroid-free, topical prescription medication used to treat certain skin conditions.

Vtama Cream uses

• Treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults
• Treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children aged 2 years and older
• Helps reduce inflammatory activity in affected skin
• Helps relieve itching associated with psoriasis and eczema
• Reduces redness and skin irritation
• May improve thickened and scaly psoriasis plaques

Benefits of Vtama Cream

• Can be used on sensitive areas like the face, neck, and skin folds, unlike traditional steroid creams
• May help lessen redness and itching from these skin conditions
• May have fewer side effects than other topical treatments like corticosteroids

How Vtama Cream works

Vtama works by attaching to and turning on a receptor in the skin called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. This helps calm the skin's immune response, reduce inflammation, and help the skin barrier work normally.

Vtama Cream dosage

Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication, then clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer only to the affected skin, not to normal, healthy skin. Rub the cream in gently as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Wash your hands after applying the cream unless your hands are the area being treated. If your doctor recommends a moisturizer, apply it after this medication.

Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, mouth, or vagina; rinse with water if this happens. Use the medication regularly and at the same time each day to get the most benefit. Do not use more often or for longer than your doctor tells you to.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not double up.

Available forms and strengths

• 1% topical cream

Side effects of Vtama Cream

Common

• Folliculitis (inflamed or discolored hair follicles)
• Cold symptoms, sore throat, or infection of the nose, ear, or throat
• Contact dermatitis
• Headache
• Itching
• Flu or flu-like symptoms
• Skin rash, including peeling, burning, or stinging where the cream is applied
• Asthma or wheezing
• Vomiting
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Stomach area pain

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, racing heart, fever, dizziness, fainting)
• Lower respiratory tract infection
• Severe stomach pain

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Vtama if you are allergic to tapinarof or to any of the ingredients in the cream.
• Vtama is for use on the skin only. Only apply it to the affected areas, and avoid getting it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
• Do not use Vtama unless a healthcare provider has prescribed it to you, and do not share it with other people even if they have the same condition.
• Keep Vtama out of the reach of children.
• Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 2 years old, and the cream is not approved for plaque psoriasis in children.
• It is not known if or how Vtama could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. 
• There isn't enough information to know the risk, since it's unclear how much of the drug gets into the body through the skin. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known if Vtama passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed; they will advise you on whether you should use it.
• No specific renal dose adjustment is established. Patients with significant kidney disease should have treatment reviewed by a healthcare professional.
• No specific hepatic dose adjustment is established. Patients with significant liver disease require individualized clinical assessment.
• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this is one of the things they will want to know about before you use Vtama.
• Vtama Cream is not generally associated with sedation or reduced alertness. Avoid driving if any adverse effect impairs concentration.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C)
• It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Do not freeze
• Keep all medications away from children and pets
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed; consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company

When to see a doctor

• Stop using Vtama and get help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or wheezing, a racing heart, fever, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble swallowing, hives, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fainting, stomach cramps, or joint pain.
• If you think you have used too much Vtama, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center.
• If you develop signs of a skin infection where you applied the cream, such as fever, pus-filled follicles, discolored streaks, or the area feeling warm, talk with your doctor right away for an urgent evaluation.

Alternatives

• Vectical
• Dovonex
• Calcipotriene
• Zoryve