Vtama (tapinarof) is a prescription topical cream that’s used to treat plaque psoriasis. The drug is usually applied to your skin once per day.
Vtama is used to treat plaque psoriasis. Its active ingredient is tapinarof. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.
Vtama belongs to a group of drugs called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. This article describes the dosage of Vtama, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Vtama, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosage of Vtama. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Vtama’s form?
Vtama comes as a topical cream that you apply to your skin.
What strength does Vtama come in?
Vtama’s cream comes in a single strength of 1%. This means that 10 milligrams (mg) of the drug is present in each gram (g) of cream.
What are the usual dosages of Vtama?
The information below describes the dosage that is commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for plaque psoriasis
The usual dosage of Vtama for the treatment of plaque psoriasis is a thin layer of Vtama applied once per day to the affected area of skin.
Is Vtama used long term?
It’s possible. In studies, Vtama was applied once per day for 12 weeks to treat plaque psoriasis. Your doctor may also recommend that you use Vtama for 12 weeks and then see how your psoriasis responds. If your condition returns after stopping Vtama, your doctor may suggest continuing treatment.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about how long you’re likely to use Vtama.
Vtama comes as a topical cream that you apply in a thin layer to the affected areas of your skin once per day. Wash your hands after applying the cream (unless you’re using the cream on your hands).
Do not use Vtama in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Vtama, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see the “Vtama expiration, storage, and disposal” section of this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you miss a dose of Vtama, apply the cream as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should apply a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to apply Vtama on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not use more Vtama than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you use too much Vtama
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve applied too much Vtama. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Vtama’s dosage.
Is Vtama’s dosage similar to the dosages of Zoryve?
The forms and how often you use each drug are similar, but they also have some differences.
Vtama and Zoryve (roflumilast) are both topical treatments for plaque psoriasis. They both come as a cream that should be applied to the affected skin in a thin layer once per day.
The medications have different active ingredients and work differently.
Your doctor will prescribe the drug that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Vtama to start working?
Vtama starts to work after your first application to the affected areas of skin. But it may take up to 12 weeks to see an improvement in your skin condition. If you have questions about what to expect from your Vtama treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Vtama for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Vtama without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Vtama exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does the dosage of Vtama compare with the dosage of Tazorac (tazarotene)?
- Will I need a dosage adjustment for Vtama if I’m taking other medications for my condition?
- Does Vtama still work if I use it every other day?
To learn more about Vtama, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.