Vtama is a nonsteroidal cream for plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is a condition where the immune system causes the skin to make too many new cells too quickly. These extra skin cells pile up on the surface, forming thick, raised patches that are often discolored. These patches, called plaques, usually have a white or silvery layer on top. Plaques are often found on areas like the elbows, knees, scalp, or back, but they can show up anywhere on the body. They can be itchy, sore, and sometimes they might crack or bleed.
Vtama, approved in 2022, contains the active ingredient tapinarof. It is a cream that works by targeting specific receptors in the skin cells called aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR).
According to studies, Vtama usage results in significantly clearer skin. Below are common questions and answers about Vtama and whether it may be a treatment option for you.
How Does It Work?
Vtama is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist (AhR). AhR helps maintain normal skin function. Vtama reduces inflammation by calming the skin’s immune response.
How Do I Use It?
Vtama is a topical cream that is applied in a thin layer directly to skin lesions once a day. It is important to avoid using it on healthy skin and to keep away from your eyes, mouth, and vagina.
Wash your hands after applying Vtama unless you are treating your hands. If someone is helping you apply Vtama, make sure they wash their hands afterward.
If you miss a dose of Vtama, apply it as soon as you remember. Do not apply more than once a day.
How Was It Studied for Plaque Psoriasis?
Two studies were done to see if Vtama is safe and effective for treating plaque psoriasis. Vtama was compared to a placebo containing no medicine. People in the studies did not know if they were getting Vtama or the placebo.
People in these studies were between 18 and 75 years old with an average age of 50. About 57% of people in the study were male. About 85% of people were White, 5% were Black, 5% were Asian, and 5% were other races. People in the study had mild to severe plaque psoriasis, and the plaques covered 3% to 20% of their body surface area (BSA).
Vtama cream or the placebo cream was applied once a day to plaque lesions. No other medicated treatments were allowed.
Two tools were used to compare Vtama with placebo:
- The Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA), which evaluates the severity of psoriasis on a numerical scale.
- The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), which uses a numerical score to measure the severity of psoriasis and the response to treatment.
Treatment success was measured by what percentage of people had clear or almost clear skin at week 12 of treatment and at least a 2-point decrease in the disease severity (PGA score).
These studies also measured the following:
- Reduction of at least 75% in plaque psoriasis severity index (PASI) score
- Percentage change of body surface area (BSA) involved
What Were the Main Benefits Seen in the Studies?
Clear skin. More people using Vtama had clear or almost clear skin at 12 weeks. In the first study, about 35% of Vtama users and 6% of placebo users had treatment success. In the second study, 40% of Vtama users and 6% of placebo users had treatment success.
Improvement in severity. In the first study, 36% of people had at least a 75% improvement in their skin, compared with 10% of placebo. In the second study, about 48% of people saw at least a 75% improvement in their skin compared with 7% of placebo.
Less itching. People using Vtama cream reported less itching compared to placebo at 12 weeks.
Improvement in quality of life. More people in the Vtama groups reported improvement in their quality of life due to clear skin and less itching.
Long-term usage. A 40-week long-term extension study showed that Vtama remained safe and effective for long-term use. Fifty-eight percent of people were able to achieve clear skin at least once during the study.
Remission. Once people achieve remission (clear skin) and stop Vtama, skin stays clear for an average of about 4 months.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
In studies, some people saw Vtama start to work in about 2 weeks, with some people reporting significantly clearer skin at 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, about 40% of people reported clear or almost clear skin.
Some people may get clear skin and can stop Vtama. If your plaque lesions come back, your health care provider may recommend restarting Vtama. Others may have to use Vtama continuously to achieve clear skin. Speak with your health care provider if you do not notice an improvement after 12 weeks.
How Can I Prevent and Manage Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Vtama are folliculitis, nasopharyngitis, contact dermatitis, and headache.
Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles and was the most common side effect seen in studies. This may cause red, raised bumps around the hair follicles that may be itchy or painful. Make sure the area is kept clean. Avoid shaving the affected area until the irritation is gone. Warm compresses may help relieve the pain and itching. Tell your health care provider if it does not improve with time or becomes bothersome.
Nasopharyngitis, also known as the common cold, can occur with Vtama use. This causes inflammation of the nose and throat. Gargling with salt water or using throat lozenges may help soothe a sore throat. Saline nasal spray may help relieve sinus congestion. You should also be getting plenty of rest and drinking enough fluids.
Contact dermatitis can occur at the application site. This can cause skin rash and irritation. Cool compresses or a cool bath may help relieve pain and itching. Be sure to use a mild soap when washing and avoid scratching the area. Talk with your health care provider if your rash is severe, covers a large area, is not improving, or looks infected.
Headaches can happen when using Vtama. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist for tips on how to manage them, including advice on OTC pain relievers that might help.
These are not all of the possible side effects. Talk with your health care provider if you are having symptoms that bother you. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What Type of Drug Interactions Can Happen?
There are no known drug interactions with Vtama. Be sure to tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and supplements you take or have recently taken. This will help ensure it is safe for you to use.
What Are Some Other Considerations to Be Aware Of?
It is not known if Vtama can affect pregnancy or your unborn baby. Talk with your health care provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
It is not known if Vtama passes into breast milk. Talk with your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
What Do I Need to Do to Get It?
Vtama requires a prescription from a health care provider. Your primary care provider or a dermatologist can prescribe Vtama. It is available at retail and mail-order pharmacies.
Is There Any Cost Assistance Available?
Vtama may or may not be covered under your insurance. In some cases, your insurance may require certain paperwork or authorization before they will cover the medicine.
A copay assistance program is available from the drugmaker. You may pay as little as $35 each month for your prescription. Eligibility depends on your current prescription insurance coverage.
Those without insurance or those whose insurance does not cover Vtama may be able to get financial help. You can find out more information at dermavant.com/rxassist or by calling 877-219-7524.
For questions about cost, insurance coverage, or any other questions related to Vtama, you can call Dermavant at 347-532-5250.
