Klisyri
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is an ointment that you apply to your skin to treat actinic keratosis, which is a condition where people develop rough and scaly patches of skin due to years of sun exposure. It needs to be applied once a day for 5 days in a row. Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is only available as a brand-name medication, so it can be expensive.
What is Klisyri (tirbanibulin)?
What is Klisyri (tirbanibulin) used for?
- Actinic keratosis of the face or scalp
How Klisyri (tirbanibulin) works
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is a microtubule inhibitor ointment. Microtubule inhibitors are usually used to treat cancer because they stop growth and prevent spread of cancer cells. The exact way that Klisyri (tirbanibulin) works topically to treat actinic keratosis isn't completely understood, but it's thought to stop the growth and spread of irregular skin cells.
Drug facts
Side effects of Klisyri (tirbanibulin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Reactions where the medication was applied (e.g., redness, flaking/scaling, crusting, swelling)
- Itching
- Pain
Less Common Side Effects
- Blisters
- Peeling
- Pus
- Ulcers
- Breakdown of skin
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe skin reactions: swelling, blisters, peeling, pus, ulcers, breakdown of skin
The following Klisyri (tirbanibulin) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Klisyri (tirbanibulin)
Pros
- Only has to be applied once a day for 5 days
- Comes in single-dose packets for easy use
- Works well for treating actinic keratosis (up to 54% of people using Klisyri (tirbanibulin) in studies saw actinic keratosis areas go away completely)
- Shorter course of treatment than other actinic keratosis medications
Cons
- Can cause eye irritation if it gets in or close to eyes
- Can cause a serious skin reaction
- Doesn't work as quickly as in-office procedures like freezing or chemical peels
- Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive
Pharmacist tips for Klisyri (tirbanibulin)
- Don't wash or touch the area where you apply Klisyri (tirbanibulin) for around 8 hours after application. If you touch the area where you applied Klisyri (tirbanibulin) you risk spreading it to other areas of your body or to other people. After 8 hours, you can wash the area with a mild soap.
- If you're being treated or have been treated for actinic keratosis with any other medication, procedure, or surgery, you should wait to use Klisyri (tirbanibulin) until your skin has healed from those treatments. You're more at risk of getting skin irritation from Klisyri (tirbanibulin) if you apply it to damaged skin.
- Don't use more Klisyri (tirbanibulin) than needed to cover the affected areas, because this can raise your chance of getting skin reactions and other side effects.
- You should throw away any open packet of Klisyri (tirbanibulin) after use even if there is medication left over. The packets are only meant to be used for one dose, so it works best if a new packet is used each day.
- If you have actinic keratosis it can be helpful to see a healthcare provider that specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist), because it's possible for actinic keratosis to develop into skin cancer. Some signs of skin cancer to look out for are new moles, changes in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, or a sore on the skin that doesn't heal. Check your skin often for new signs of skin cancer, because it's easier to treat if skin cancer is found early.
- It's important to protect your skin if you have actinic keratosis. When you go outside you should always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear clothing that covers your skin, and try to find shade.
- Never use a topical corticosteroid medication like hydrocortisone (Locoid) cream on your actinic keratosis areas to try to treat skin irritation from Klisyri (tirbanibulin). Corticosteroids can prevent Klisyri (tirbanibulin) from working. Talk to your healthcare provider if you get skin irritation after using Klisyri (tirbanibulin).
Common questions about Klisyri (tirbanibulin)
In studies, there were 4 to 9 times more Klisyri (tirbanibulin) participants who had 100% of their actinic keratosis cleared compared to participants who used a placebo ointment. Using Klisyri (tirbanibulin) exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider will give you the best results.
Open one Klisyri (tirbanibulin) packet and squeeze the ointment out onto your finger. Apply Klisyri (tirbanibulin) in an even layer on the actinic keratosis areas of the face or scalp. You can cover up to about 4 square inches of skin with one packet. Wash your hands right away with soap and water, and throw away the used packet, even if there is some ointment left over. Use Klisyri (tirbanibulin) once daily for 5 days in a row. Don't use more than one single-dose packet with each application, and don't use more than you need to cover the area. You're more likely to have a serious skin reaction if you use too much Klisyri (tirbanibulin), use it too often, or for too long.
No, you shouldn't cover the area with a bandage, gauze, or any kind of dressing after applying Klisyri (tirbanibulin) because it's more likely to cause skin irritation.
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) should only be applied to areas on the face or scalp, because it's not known whether it's safe or will work when applied to other parts of the body. You should avoid applying Klisyri (tirbanibulin) on or around the mouth, lips, and eyes. It's important not to get any Klisyri (tirbanibulin) into your eyes because it can cause eye irritation. If you accidentally get Klisyri (tirbanibulin) in your eyes, rinse them well with water and contact your healthcare provider right away.
The most common side effect of Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is a local skin reaction where the medication is applied. This can include symptoms like itching, pain, tenderness, stinging, and burning at the application site. Klisyri (tirbanibulin) can also cause a more serious skin reaction which can include redness, flaky, scaly, or crusty skin, swelling, blisters, or breaking of the skin. Your chances of having skin irritation with Klisyri (tirbanibulin) are higher if you apply it to damaged skin or if you cover the treated area with a dressing or bandage.
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Risks and warnings for Klisyri (tirbanibulin)
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Eye irritation
- Risk factors: Not washing hands after application
Accidentally getting Klisyri (tirbanibulin) in or around your eyes can cause eye irritation. It's important to wash your hands right after applying the medication, and if you get it in your eyes, you should rinse your eyes out with water right away and contact a healthcare provider.
Local skin reactions
- Risk factors: Damaged skin from a previous medication, treatment, or surgery | Covering the treated area with a bandage or dressing
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) can cause mild skin reactions like itching, redness, and pain, and more serious reactions like swelling, blisters, and skin breakage. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you get a serious skin reaction after using Klisyri (tirbanibulin).
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250mg 5 packets of 1% | 1 carton | $174.90 | $174.90 |
| 350mg 5 packets of 1% | 1 carton | $233.47 | $233.47 |
Typical dosage for Klisyri (tirbanibulin)
Each single-dose packet contains 250 mg of Klisyri (tirbanibulin). The typical dose of Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is one single-dose packet applied to the affected area of the face or scalp once daily for 5 days in a row.
How much does Klisyri (tirbanibulin) cost?
$174.90
What are alternatives to Klisyri (tirbanibulin)?
