How do I know if Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is working?

You'll know Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is working when the areas of actinic keratosis start too look better. These areas might feel smoother, look clearer, and start to look more like your normal skin. It's important to be patient because it can [take some time](https://www.goodrx.com/klisyri/how-long-klisyri-take-to-work-faqs) for the medication to fully work. In fact, for more than half of the people who used it in studies, the spots [went away completely](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9675993/) about 2 months after they finished the treatment. If you're not sure Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is working, talk to your prescriber.

What's the difference between Klisyri and Efudex?

[Klisyri (tirbanibulin)](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=589c8de8-b773-4d47-b60c-48471806cccc) and [Efudex (fluorouracil)](https://www.goodrx.com/fluorouracil/what-is) are both topical options for treating [actinic keratosis](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/actinic-keratosis/what-actinic-keratosis-looks-like-images). But where they can be applied and how they're applied on the skin are different. Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is approved for actinic keratosis only on the face or scalp. But Efudex (fluorouracil) can be used on affected areas on any part of your body. Also, Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is an ointment that's applied once a day for just 5 days in a row per treatment course. But Efudex (fluorouracil) comes as a topical solution and cream. It's applied twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks. Talk to your dermatologist to help [compare](https://www.goodrx.com/compare/klisyri-vs-fluorouracil) and see which option is right for you.

Klisyri

tirbanibulin

Used for Actinic Keratosis

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is an ointment used for actinic keratosis on the face or scalp. It's FDA approved for adults only. The medication works as a microtubule inhibitor to treat these rough, scaly skin patches caused by long-term sun exposure. Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is applied to the affected skin once a day for 5 days in a row. Side effects include skin redness, skin flaking or scaling, and skin crusting.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on February 10, 2026

What is Klisyri (tirbanibulin)?

What is Klisyri (tirbanibulin) used for?

Actinic keratosis on the face or scalp of adults

How Klisyri (tirbanibulin) works

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is a microtubule inhibitor. The exact way it works to treat actinic keratosis isn't completely known. But it's thought to stop irregular skin cells from growing and spreading.

When does Klisyri (tirbanibulin) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

Initial effect

WEEKS

Full effect

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Klisyri
Drug Class	Microtubule inhibitor
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Klisyri

Drug Class

Microtubule inhibitor

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

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

Skin redness
Skin flaking or scaling
Skin crusting
Swelling of the skin
Itching where applied
Pain where applied

Less Common Side Effects

Blisters
Peeling
Pus
Sores

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe skin reaction: swelling, blisters, peeling, pus, sores, skin breakdown
Severe eye irritation if it gets too close or in your eye

When do Klisyri (tirbanibulin) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Redness

Flaking or scaling

Crusting

Swelling

Itching

Pain

Source: DailyMed

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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Avg retail price

$1416.43(Save 85.27%)

$208.69

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Pros and cons of Klisyri (tirbanibulin)

Pros

Applied once a day at home for only 5 days
Comes in single-dose packets for easy use

Cons

Can cause skin reactions like redness, flaking, crusting, or swelling
Must carefully avoid applying onto sensitive areas on the face (e.g., eyes) to prevent irritation

Pharmacist tips for Klisyri (tirbanibulin)

Use Klisyri (tirbanibulin) once daily for 5 days in a row. Be sure your skin has healed from other treatments, procedures, or surgery before starting. Using it on damaged skin can raise the risk of irritation.
Only apply Klisyri (tirbanibulin) to affected areas on the face or scalp. It's not known if it's safe or if it works well on other parts of the body.
Don't use more than one single-dose packet of Klisyri (tirbanibulin) for each application. Also don't use more than you need to cover the area. Skin reactions are more likely if you use too much of it, use it too often, or use it for too long.
Avoid applying Klisyri (tirbanibulin) on or around the mouth, lips, and eyes because it can be irritating. If you accidentally get the medication in your eye, rinse it well with water and get medical help right away.
Klisyri (tirbanibulin) can cause skin reactions where you put it on a few days after your treatment course ends. These reactions can include redness, itching, or pain. Some people might also have swelling or blisters. Call your care team right away if a skin reaction is severe or bothers you.
Talk to your care team about how to manage skin irritation and other skin reactions from Klisyri (tirbanibulin). They can recommend safe options. Don't use a topical steroid like hydrocortisone on the areas of actinic keratosis to relieve irritation. Steroids can prevent Klisyri (tirbanibulin) from working.
Follow up with your dermatologist (skin specialist) regularly about your actinic keratosis. This is important because it's possible for actinic keratosis to turn into skin cancer. Some signs of skin cancer are new moles; changes in the size, shape, or color of a 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 it's caught early.
Keep protecting your skin from sun exposure while taking Klisyri (tirbanibulin). When you go outside, always apply sunscreen, wear clothing that covers your skin, and try to find shade.

How to use Klisyri (tirbanibulin):

Open a packet and squeeze the ointment out onto your finger. Apply an even layer on the affected area(s) on the face or scalp. You can cover up to about a 4 by 4 inch area of skin with one packet.
Wash your hands with soap and water right after applying. This helps prevent getting the medication onto other parts of the body or other things.
Throw away the used packet, even if there's a little ointment left. Each packet is for one dose only.
Don't cover the treated area with a bandage after applying unless your care team says it's okay. Covering it can raise the risk of skin reactions.
Avoid washing or touching the area for around 8 hours after applying. If you touch it, you risk spreading the medication to other areas of your body or to other people. After 8 hours, you can wash the area with a mild soap.

More on Klisyri (tirbanibulin) tips

A woman applies face cream.
FG Trade Latin/E+ via Getty Images

How Long Does Klisyri Take to Work? Pharmacist-Backed Answers to 6 Klisyri FAQs

Written by Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP

Common questions about Klisyri

Studies show that areas of actinic keratosis can start to look better about 8 days after you start using Klisyri. Even though you apply the ointment for only 5 days, the medication keeps working long after you stop. It can take several weeks after you finish your treatment to see the full effects of the medication. If you have questions about how long it's taking to work, talk to your prescriber.

You'll know Klisyri is working when the areas of actinic keratosis start too look better. These areas might feel smoother, look clearer, and start to look more like your normal skin. It's important to be patient because it can take some time for the medication to fully work. In fact, for more than half of the people who used it in studies, the spots went away completely about 2 months after they finished the treatment. If you're not sure Klisyri is working, talk to your prescriber.

Studies suggest that side effects of Klisyri usually start to get better within 2 weeks. Most of the time, they'll eventually go away within a month. These side effects can include skin redness, flaking, crusting, or swelling. If you have side effects that bother you, are serious, or don't go away, talk to your care team for advice.

Klisyri is used on areas of actinic keratosis on the face or scalp. Apply the ointment from one packet once a day for 5 days in a row. Each time, spread it evenly over the affected area(s), up to an area of about 4 by 4 inches. After you apply the ointment, wash your hands right away with soap and water. Don't wash or touch the treated area(s) until about 8 hours after applying. Ask your care team if you have more questions about how to use Klisyri.

No, Klisyri isn't chemotherapy. Chemotherapy kills all fast-growing cells in the body, including cancer cells. Klisyri works on areas of actinic keratosis. These are rough skin patches that are non-cancerous but can be pre-cancerous. The medication helps stop these irregular skin cells from growing or spreading. Klisyri is also an ointment, not a cream.

Klisyri is only meant to be used for 5 days in a row per treatment course. There aren't any studies looking to see how safe it is to use it for longer periods of time. If you need more treatment for actinic keratosis, talk to a healthcare professional about your options.

Klisyri and Efudex (fluorouracil) are both topical options for treating actinic keratosis. But where they can be applied and how they're applied on the skin are different. Klisyri is approved for actinic keratosis only on the face or scalp. But Efudex (fluorouracil) can be used on affected areas on any part of your body. Also, Klisyri is an ointment that's applied once a day for just 5 days in a row per treatment course. But Efudex (fluorouracil) comes as a topical solution and cream. It's applied twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks. Talk to your dermatologist to help compare and see which option is right for you.

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 if it gets near or in your eye

Risk factors: Not washing hands after applying

Accidentally getting Klisyri (tirbanibulin) in or around your eyes can cause eye irritation. Avoid applying near your eyes and wash your hands right after applying. If you do get it in your eyes, rinse your eyes out with water right away and get medical care.

Skin reactions where applied

Risk factors: Damaged skin from a previous medication, treatment, or surgery | Covering the treated area with a bandage or dressing

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) can cause skin reactions where it's applied. This can include itching, redness, and pain. Other types of reactions are swelling, blisters, and broken skin. Most skin reactions are mild or moderate in severity, but they can sometimes be severe. If you have a skin reaction that bothers you or is serious or severe, call your care team right away. They can help manage the skin reaction.

Klisyri (tirbanibulin) dosage

The average cost for 1 carton of 350mg 5 packets of 1% of Klisyri (tirbanibulin) is $1,170.16 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 40.49% off the average retail price of $1,966.33.

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
250mg 5 packets of 1%	1 carton	$208.69	$208.69
350mg 5 packets of 1%	1 carton	$1,170.16	$1,170.16

Typical dosage for Klisyri (tirbanibulin)

This medication is available as a single-dose packets. Each packet contains either 250 mg or 350 mg of tirbanibulin ointment. Your prescriber will decide how much to use depending on your actinic keratosis.

The typical dose is 1 packet applied evenly to the affected area of the face or scalp once daily for 5 days in a row. Don't cover more than an area of about 4 by 4 inches of skin.