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Klisyri

tirbanibulin
Used for Actinic Keratosis
Used for Actinic Keratosis

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Ashley Wong, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 24, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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.

Are you looking for information on Halaven (eribulin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsKlisyri
Drug ClassMicrotubule inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$1896.59(save 90.78%)
Manufacturer exclusive discount
$174.90
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Blisters
  • Peeling
  • Pus
  • Ulcers
  • Breakdown of skin

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

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

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
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Klisyri (tirbanibulin)

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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

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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

Pharmacist tips for Klisyri (tirbanibulin)

pharmacist

  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Klisyri (tirbanibulin)

              How well does Klisyri (tirbanibulin) work?
              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.
              How do you use Klisyri (tirbanibulin)?
              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.
              Should I cover the treatment area with a bandage or dressing after I apply Klisyri (tirbanibulin)?
              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.
              Where do you apply Klisyri (tirbanibulin)?
              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.
              Will Klisyri (tirbanibulin) cause a skin reaction?
              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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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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.

                risk-warning

                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).

                  dosage

                  Klisyri (tirbanibulin) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 carton of 350mg 5 packets of 1% of Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is $233.47 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.69% off the average retail price of $1896.59.
                  carton
                  Carton
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice 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 dosing 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.

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                  How much does Klisyri (tirbanibulin) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Klisyri (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $233.47

                  (save 87.69%)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Klisyri (tirbanibulin)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Klisyri (tirbanibulin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Klisyri (tirbanibulin)
                  Used for:

                  • Actinic keratosis of the face or scalp

                  $174.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Imiquimod
                  Used for:

                  • Face or scalp actinic keratosis (scaly precancerous spot or growth on the skin) in adults - all brands and strengths

                  • Genital and anal warts in adults and children 12 years and older - Zyclara 3.75% and Aldara 5% only

                  • Superficial basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults - Aldara 5% only

                  $31.51 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Diclofenac sodium (Solaraze) 3% gel
                  Used for:
                  $40.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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