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Winlevi

clascoterone
Used for Acne

Winlevi (clascoterone) is a topical cream used to treat acne in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It works by blocking the effects of hormones that contribute to acne. You apply to the affected areas of your skin twice a day. Common side effects include dry skin, itching, and redness.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on July 28, 2026
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What is Winlevi (clascoterone)?

What is Winlevi (clascoterone) used for?

  • Acne in people 12 years and older

How Winlevi (clascoterone) works

Winlevi (clascoterone) is an androgen receptor inhibitor, meaning it blocks androgens. Androgens are hormones that can increase oil production and inflammation in your skin, which can be a main root cause of acne.

While the exact way Winlevi (clascoterone) works isn't fully understood, it's thought to reduce acne by blocking these hormones in the skin.

When does Winlevi (clascoterone) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
Initial effect
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug facts

Common BrandsWinlevi
Drug ClassAndrogen receptor inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Winlevi (clascoterone)

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 (12%)
  • Skin peeling or dry skin (11%)
  • Itching (8%)

Less Common Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following Winlevi (clascoterone) 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
  • Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness

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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$752.93(Save 32.46%)
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Pros and cons of Winlevi (clascoterone)

Pros

  • Cream applied to the skin
  • Treats hormonal acne
  • Safe for people ages 12 years and older

Cons

  • Need to apply twice a day
  • Can cause skin irritation, burning, and peeling
  • Must throw away 1 month after opening
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Pharmacist tips for Winlevi (clascoterone)

pharmacist
  • Avoid getting Winlevi (clascoterone) in your eyes, lips, mouth, inside your nose, or vagina. If it gets into one of these areas, rinse well with water right away.
  • Don't apply Winlevi (clascoterone) to skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, or affected by eczema. Using it on damaged skin can cause more irritation.
  • Winlevi (clascoterone) can dry out your skin. Avoid harsh soaps, medicated cleansers, and skin care products that contain alcohol or other drying ingredients.
  • You can wear makeup while using Winlevi (clascoterone). Ask your dermatologist how long you should wait after applying the medication before putting on makeup, since applying it too soon may affect how well Winlevi (clascoterone) is absorbed.
  • Don't cover the treated area with bandages after applying Winlevi (clascoterone). This can increase how much medication your body absorbs and raise your risk of side effects.
  • Winlevi (clascoterone) can be used with other acne treatments, but some combinations can cause more dryness or irritation. Ask your dermatologist how to safely use other acne medications with Winlevi (clascoterone).
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your dermatologist before using Winlevi (clascoterone). They can help you choose the safest acne treatment.
  • Storage: Store Winlevi (clascoterone) at room temperature. Write down the date you picked up the cream and the date you opened the tube. Throw it away 1 month after opening or 6 months after picking it up from the pharmacy, whichever comes first.

How to use Winlevi (clascoterone)

  • Wash and dry the affected skin before applying cream.
  • Apply a thin layer to the areas affected by acne twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
  • Wash your hands after applying to help prevent the medication from getting into your eyes or on other parts of your body.
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Risks and warnings for Winlevi (clascoterone)

Winlevi (clascoterone) 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.

Skin reactions

  • Risk factors: Using other skin products or medications that irritate or dry your skin | Using Winlevi (clascoterone) on irritated skin

Winlevi (clascoterone) can cause skin irritation, including redness, itching, peeling, and dryness. Your risk is higher if you also use harsh soaps or skin care products that contain drying ingredients, such as alcohol.

Don't apply Winlevi (clascoterone) to skin that is cut, scraped, or sunburned. If your skin irritation doesn't improve or gets worse, contact your prescriber. They might recommend changing how you use the medication or switching to a different acne treatment.

Changes in hormone levels

  • Risk factors: Using Winlevi (clascoterone) for a long time | Using Winlevi (clascoterone) over large areas of the body | Covering skin with bandages after applying Winlevi (clascoterone) | Children or teens

Winlevi (clascoterone) can rarely affect your body's natural hormone production, especially if you use it on large areas of skin, use it for a long time, or cover the treated skin with bandages or dressings. Children are more likely to have this side effect.

Use Winlevi (clascoterone) exactly as prescribed. If your prescriber thinks the medication is affecting your hormone levels, they might have you stop using it. In studies, hormone levels returned to normal after treatment was stopped.

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Winlevi (clascoterone) dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 60g of 1% of Winlevi (clascoterone) is $20.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 97.34% off the average retail price of $752.93.
tube of creamTube of cream
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
60g of 1%1 tube$20.00$20.00
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How much does Winlevi (clascoterone) cost?

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What are alternatives to Winlevi (clascoterone)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Winlevi (clascoterone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Winlevi (clascoterone)
Used for:
  • Acne in people 12 years and older
$20.00Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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  • Acne
$19.58Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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$8.46Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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News about Winlevi (clascoterone)

References

Best studies we found

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?

European Medicines Agency. (2025). Assessment report.

Harris, C. (2021). Clascoterone (Winlevi) for the treatment of acne. American Family Physician.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.