Zoryve (roflumilast) is a prescription drug used to treat certain skin conditions. Zoryve can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include nausea and headache.

Specifically, the various forms of Zoryve are prescribed to treat the following conditions:

  • Zoryve cream 0.3% is used to treat plaque psoriasis in people ages 6 years and older.
  • Zoryve cream 0.15% is used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, in people ages 6 years and older.
  • Zoryve foam 0.3% is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) in people ages 9 years and older.

The active ingredient in Zoryve is roflumilast. The drug comes as both a topical cream and a foam. Both are applied to the affected area. For example, when used for plaque psoriasis, Zoryve cream can be applied directly to skin patches or plaques. These plaques are commonly located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Zoryve can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses and alternatives to Zoryve, see this article.

Below are just a few of the more common side effects reported in studies of Zoryve cream and Zoryve foam. Side effects can vary depending on the drug’s form and what condition it’s being used to treat.

More common side effects in people using Zoryve foam for dandruff include:

More common side effects in people using Zoryve cream for plaque psoriasis include:

More common side effects in people using Zoryve cream for atopic dermatitis include:

  • headache*
  • nausea
  • application site pain
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Mild side effects have been reported with Zoryve foam for dandruff. These include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • headache*
  • nasopharyngitis
  • insomnia

Mild side effects have been reported with Zoryve cream for plaque psoriasis. These include:

Mild side effects have been reported with Zoryve cream for atopic dermatitis. These include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • application site pain
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • insomnia

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop using Zoryve unless your doctor recommends it.

Zoryve may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Serious side effects have not been reported with Zoryve cream or foam. But it’s possible for Zoryve to cause serious side effects, such as allergic reaction.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Zoryve, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Zoryve, visit MedWatch.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Zoryve may cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Zoryve cream or Zoryve foam but could still occur with Zoryve treatment.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep using Zoryve.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Zoryve, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Learn more about some of the side effects Zoryve may cause.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

UTI was a mild side effect reported in studies of Zoryve cream when used for plaque psoriasis. UTI may cause symptoms such as:

What might help

If you experience any of the above symptoms while using Zoryve cream, talk with your doctor right away. They’ll order a urine test to confirm the infection and to check for the presence of bacteria or fungi. If you do have an infection, they’ll prescribe either antibiotics or antifungals to treat it.

Headache

Headache was a mild side effect reported in studies of Zoryve cream and foam. Headache may cause symptoms such as:

  • slow onset of head pain
  • head pain described as throbbing, dull, or sharp

What might help

If you have headaches during Zoryve treatment, talk with your doctor. They’ll likely recommend taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to help reduce the pain.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Zoryve treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new drug or combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were using when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Zoryve affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Zoryve can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Zoryve. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.