What are the uses of Vtama (vitamin or dietary supplement)?

Vtama is a Topical Medication for Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis, Not a Vitamin or Dietary Supplement

Vtama (tapinarof) is a prescription topical medication used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and atopic dermatitis in adults and children, not a vitamin or dietary supplement. 1

What is Vtama?

• Vtama (tapinarof) cream 1% is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist developed as a once-daily topical treatment for skin conditions 1
• It was first approved in May 2022 in the USA for treating plaque psoriasis in adults 1
• In December 2024, it received FDA approval for treating atopic dermatitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older 1
• The medication works by binding to and activating aryl hydrocarbon receptors that regulate immune response and skin homeostasis 2

Clinical Evidence for Vtama

• In two identical phase 3 randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, Vtama demonstrated significant efficacy for plaque psoriasis 2
• The primary efficacy endpoints were achieved in 35.4% and 40.2% of patients in the tapinarof group compared to only 6.0% and 6.3% in the vehicle group 2
• Vtama is applied once daily to affected skin lesions 2
• Common adverse events include folliculitis, contact dermatitis, and headache 2

Clarification About Dietary Supplements

• Vtama is not a vitamin or dietary supplement but a prescription medication 1, 2
• Unlike dietary supplements, which are commonly used for overall health and wellness or to fill nutrient gaps 3, Vtama is specifically indicated for treating skin conditions
• Approximately 52% of US adults report using at least one dietary supplement, with 31% using multivitamin-mineral supplements 3
• The US Preventive Services Task Force has found insufficient evidence to determine the balance of benefits and harms for most vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing cardiovascular disease or cancer 3

Important Considerations

• As a prescription medication, Vtama should only be used under medical supervision for its approved indications 1
• It should not be confused with over-the-counter vitamins or supplements 1, 2
• Unlike intravenous vitamin treatments that lack evidence for general wellness claims 4, Vtama has undergone rigorous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy for specific skin conditions 2