Vtama Shortage Update for 2026

If you've been trying to fill a Vtama (Tapinarof) cream prescription and coming up empty, you might be wondering: is Vtama in shortage? The short answer is no — Vtama is not in a formal drug shortage in 2026. But that doesn't mean it's easy to find at your local pharmacy.

Let's walk through what's actually going on with Vtama availability, what it costs, and how to get your prescription filled.

Is Vtama Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Vtama is not listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage databases. Organon, the manufacturer, continues to produce and distribute the medication. There is no manufacturing disruption or supply chain issue affecting Vtama production.

However, many patients are experiencing real difficulty finding Vtama at their pharmacy. This disconnect — between a drug that's technically available and a drug you can actually pick up — is common with expensive brand-name specialty medications.

Why Is Vtama Hard to Find?

Even without a formal shortage, several factors make Vtama difficult to get:

• High cost, brand-only status: Vtama costs $1,400 to $2,100 per 60-gram tube with no generic available. Many pharmacies don't stock it routinely because of the financial risk of holding expensive inventory.
• Prior authorization requirements: Most insurance plans require prior authorization for Vtama. Until approval comes through, pharmacies typically won't order the medication.
• Step therapy requirements: Some insurers require patients to try and fail on cheaper alternatives like topical corticosteroids before they'll approve Vtama.
• Expanded indications increasing demand: The 2024 FDA approval for atopic dermatitis significantly broadened the patient population eligible for Vtama, increasing demand beyond what many pharmacies anticipated.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our article on why Vtama is so hard to find.

How Much Does Vtama Cost in 2026?

Here's what you can expect to pay for Vtama in 2026:

• Cash price (no insurance): $1,400 to $2,100 for a 60-gram tube
• With coupon cards: Around $1,445 through SingleCare
• With the MyVTAMA Savings Program: As little as $0, and no more than $35, for commercially insured patients
• With insurance: Varies by plan — could be a specialty tier copay of $50-$150+ depending on your coverage

The manufacturer savings program is a significant help for patients with commercial insurance. However, it is not available to patients on Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance programs. For more ways to save, see our complete guide on how to save money on Vtama.

New Options for Patients in 2026

The landscape for treating plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis continues to evolve. In addition to Vtama, patients now have access to other non-steroidal topical options:

• Zoryve (Roflumilast) cream: A PDE4 inhibitor available for both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
• Opzelura (Ruxolitinib) cream: A JAK inhibitor approved for atopic dermatitis and vitiligo
• Topical corticosteroids: Still the most accessible and affordable option, available in generic formulations

These aren't identical to Vtama — each works through a different mechanism — but they offer alternatives if you're unable to access Vtama. Learn more in our guide to Vtama alternatives.

How to Find Vtama in Stock

If you need Vtama and your pharmacy doesn't have it, here's what to do:

1. Search on Medfinder: Use Medfinder to find pharmacies near you that currently have Vtama in stock.
2. Try independent or specialty pharmacies: These are often more willing to stock and order specialty medications than chain pharmacies.
3. Ask your pharmacy to special-order it: Most pharmacies can get Vtama from their wholesaler in 1-2 business days.
4. Confirm your insurance approval first: Make sure your prior authorization is complete before expecting the pharmacy to order.
5. Contact Organon: The manufacturer's helpline at 1-844-674-3200 may help connect you with pharmacies that carry Vtama.

For step-by-step instructions, see our article on how to find Vtama in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Vtama is not in shortage, but it can be hard to find. The combination of high cost, no generic option, insurance hurdles, and growing demand means you may need to put in a bit more effort to fill your prescription. The medication is being manufactured and distributed — the bottleneck is at the pharmacy level.

Use Medfinder to locate stock near you, take advantage of savings programs to reduce your out-of-pocket cost, and work with your dermatologist if you need a bridge treatment while you secure your Vtama supply. For more about the medication itself, read our overview of what Vtama is and how it's used.