Zoryve (roflumilast) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for plaque psoriasis in adults and some children. Zoryve comes as a topical cream that’s typically used once per day.
Zoryve is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat plaque psoriasis. This includes inverse psoriasis, which occurs in skin folds (areas of the body where skin rubs against itself).
Zoryve belongs to a drug class called phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors. Zoryve is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Zoryve, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Zoryve, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Zoryve provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Zoryve, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Zoryve’s form, strength, and dosage.
Zoryve form
Zoryve comes as a topical cream that you apply to your skin.
Zoryve strength
Zoryve comes in one strength: 3 milligrams (mg) of medication per gram (g) of cream.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults and certain children. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for plaque psoriasis
Doctors may prescribe Zoryve to treat plaque psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis that affects the skin folds.
If your doctor prescribes Zoryve for your plaque psoriasis, your recommended dosage will likely be to apply the cream once per day. Be sure to rub the cream in completely. After applying Zoryve, wash your hands (unless your plaque psoriasis affects your hands).
It’s important to avoid putting Zoryve cream in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Zoryve is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in children ages 6 years and older. This includes plaque psoriasis that affects the skin folds.
The recommended dosage for Zoryve is the same in adults and children. So, children prescribed Zoryve for plaque psoriasis will likely need the cream applied once per day. Be sure to rub the cream in completely. After applying Zoryve, make sure you and your child wash your hands (unless your child’s plaque psoriasis affects their hands).
Be sure to avoid putting Zoryve cream in your child’s eyes, mouth, or vagina.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
Long-term treatment
Zoryve is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Zoryve is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Before you start using Zoryve, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Zoryve comes as a topical cream that you apply to your skin. You should apply this medication directly to the areas of skin that are affected by plaque psoriasis. You can also apply Zoryve to skin folds that are affected by plaque psoriasis.
Be sure to rub Zoryve in completely. After applying Zoryve, wash your hands (unless your plaque psoriasis affects your hands). Be sure to avoid putting Zoryve cream in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
If you have questions about how to use Zoryve, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Zoryve in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Zoryve, apply it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply your next scheduled dose. Do not apply two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should apply Zoryve after a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t use more Zoryve than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you use more than the recommended amount of Zoryve
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Zoryve. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Zoryve.
Is the dosage of Zoryve similar to the dosage of Otezla?
No, the dosage of Zoryve is not similar to the dosage of Otezla (apremilast). While either drug may be prescribed to treat plaque psoriasis, they come in different forms and strengths.
Specifically, Zoryve is a topical cream that’s applied to the affected areas once per day, while Otezla is an oral tablet that’s typically taken twice per day.
In addition, the dosages in milligrams (mg) for the two drugs differ because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you.
For more information about Otezla’s dosage, see this article. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does it take for Zoryve to start working?
Zoryve can start to work after your first dose. In clinical trials, some people saw improvements in their plaque psoriasis symptoms in as little as 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 8 weeks to notice any improvement. Your doctor will monitor your condition during treatment to check whether the drug is working effectively.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Zoryve treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Zoryve for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Zoryve without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Zoryve that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Zoryve. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Zoryve. For information about other aspects of Zoryve, refer to this article.
- Details about plaque psoriasis. For details about plaque psoriasis, see our hubs on psoriasis and dermatology.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.