Tapinarof (Topical application)

Generic name: tapinarof [ ta-PIN-ar-of ]
Brand name: Vtama
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 22, 2024.

Uses for tapinarof

Tapinarof topical cream is used to treat plaque psoriasis, which is a form of skin disease with red patches and white scales that do not go away.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using tapinarof

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of tapinarof topical cream have not been performed in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of tapinarof topical cream in the elderly.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of tapinarof

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should only be used on the skin. Do not get it into your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use:

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine, unless you are using it to treat your hands.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For topical dosage form (cream):
- For plaque psoriasis:
  - Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin once a day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not expose the cream to excessive heat.

Precautions while using tapinarof

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.

If your condition does not improve or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Side Effects of tapinarof

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common