Tapinarof cream

Pronunciation: ta-PIN-ar-of
Generic name: tapinarof
Brand name: Vtama
Dosage form: topical cream 1%
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 20, 2025.

What is tapinarof?

Tapinarof is used to treat atopic dermatitis and plaque psoriasis. It is a steroid-free, once-daily cream that can be used long-term. Tapinarof cream helps to clear the skin and reduce itch in adults with plaque psoriasis and adults and children 2 years and older with atopic dermatitis. Tapinarof cream can be applied to all body areas, including sensitive skin areas like your face, neck, armpits, chest/breasts, and groin but should not be applied to your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

How tapinarof works is not fully understood, but its mechanism is thought to involve activating a skin protein called AhR, which reduces inflammation, improves itch, normalizes skin barrier proteins, increases antioxidant activity, and helps clear plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Tapinarof belongs to the drug class called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists.

Tapinarof first gained FDA approval for plaque psoriasis in adults on May 24, 2022, under the brand Vtama. On December 16, 2024, FDA approval was extended to include the treatment of atopic dermatitis in patients 2 years and older. There is no generic.

How well does tapinarof work?

Psoriasis (plaque)

• Tapinarof starts to work in about four weeks for plaque psoriasis, and after 3 months, clinical trials report 40% of psoriasis patients had clear or almost clear skin (PSOARING 2 [NCT03983980]).

Atopic dermatitis

• Clinical trials have shown that after 8 weeks of using tapinarof for atopic dermatitis, 45.4% of patients had a “Clear” or “Almost Clear” score for their eczema and at least a 2-grade improvement from baseline (ADORING 1 [NCT05014568]).

Side Effects

The most common side effects of tapinarof when used to treat psoriasis are:

• folliculitis (redness or crusting around the hair follicles)
• stuffy nose and sore throat
• skin rash or irritation
• itchy skin 
• headache
• flu-like symptoms.

The most common side effects of tapinarof cream when used to treat atopic dermatitis are

• upper respiratory tract infection
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles - folliculitis
• lower respiratory tract infection
• headache
• asthma
• vomiting
• ear infection
• pain in the extremities
• pain in the stomach area.

Serious tapinarof side effects

Tapinarof is unlikely to cause severe side effects.

But like other medicines, tapinarof may cause an allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tapinarof cream can also cause skin reactions at the treatment site. Tell your healthcare provider if you have itching, irritation, pain, redness, burning, or changes in skin color at the treatment site.

Important. This cream is for use on the skin (topical use) only, it should not be applied to your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

These are not all the possible side effects of tapinarof, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Before applying this cream

Before you start treatment, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as it is not known if this cream will harm your unborn baby
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as it is not known if this cream passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment.

How should I use tapinarof cream?

• Apply once daily to the affected skin in a thin layer. Avoid applying the cream to unaffected areas of your skin.
• Wash your hands after applying the cream unless you are using it to treat your hands.
• If someone else applies the cream for you, they should wash their hands after application.
• Use the cream exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

Dosing information

Tapinarof dosage for atopic dermatitis and plaque psoriasis:

• Apply a thin layer of cream to affected skin areas once daily.

What other drugs will affect tapinarof cream?

Tapinarof cream is not likely to affect or be affected by other medicines you use.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Do not freeze the cream.
• Protect the cream from exposure to excessive heat.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

Ingredients

Tapinarof cream is only available as the brand Vtama.

Active ingredient: tapinarof 10 mg per gram (1%)
Inactive ingredients: benzoic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, citric acid monohydrate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, edetate disodium, emulsifying wax, medium chain triglycerides, polyoxyl 2 stearyl ether, polyoxyl 20 stearyl ether, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, and sodium citrate dihydrate.

Tapinarof cream 1% is a white to off-white cream. Each gram of tapinarof cream contains 10 mg of tapinarof. Supplied in 60-gram tubes.

Company

Tapinarof is made by Dermavant Sciences Inc., under the brand Vtama. They are at 3780 Kilroy Airport Way, Long Beach, CA 90806.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer