Vtama (tapinarof) is a brand-name topical cream that’s prescribed to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. As with other drugs, Vtama can cause side effects, such as itching, headache, or skin rash.

Vtama can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Vtama in clinical trials:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Vtama use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Vtama’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Vtama include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Vtama and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Serious side effects weren’t reported in clinical studies of Vtama. However, if you develop serious side effects while taking Vtama, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. For more information, you can refer to Vtama’s prescribing information.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Vtama cream can cause an allergic reaction.

But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Vtama, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Vtama may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How long do side effects of Vtama last?

The side effects of Vtama will typically go away within a few days to weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. Some side effects, such as a skin rash, may not go away during treatment but should get better soon after you stop using the drug.

If you have bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help manage your symptoms.

Does Vtama have similar side effects as other topical creams used to treat plaque psoriasis?

No, Vtama is the first medication in a new class of drugs called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. Vtama works differently than other creams used to treat plaque psoriasis.

Because Vtama works differently, it may have fewer side effects than other creams, especially corticosteroids. Unlike many other creams for plaque psoriasis, Vtama can be used on sensitive areas of the skin, such as your face and genitals. Plus, serious side effects weren’t reported in Vtama’s clinical trials.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about side effects of Vtama and alternative medications to treat plaque psoriasis.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Vtama may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Vtama.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a common side effect of Vtama in clinical studies. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles (the pores in your skin that hair grows through). This happens in the areas where Vtama is applied. Symptoms of folliculitis may include:

  • inflamed skin
  • itching
  • tenderness
  • pus-filled or crusty sores
  • pimple-like spots

What you can do

If you experience discolored, tender, or itchy bumps on your skin that are bothersome, talk with your doctor. They can determine the cause and may suggest ways to treat this side effect.

Cold symptoms

Some people who used Vtama reported experiencing cold symptoms during treatment. This was a commonly reported side effect in the drug’s clinical studies. This may include symptoms such as:

  • runny nose
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • sinus congestion

What you can do

If you have cold symptoms that are bothersome or don’t go away, talk with your doctor. They may suggest additional ways to manage these symptoms, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain or fever or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) for sinus congestion.

If your doctor determines your symptoms are from an infection, they may prescribe medication, such as an antibiotic, to treat it.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Vtama.

Other precautions

Before taking Vtama, discuss your health history with your doctor. Vtama may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.