What is Winlevi? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025

Winlevi is a prescription topical acne treatment. Its active ingredient, clascoterone, works by blocking testosterone from increasing oil production in the skin’s oil glands. Excess skin oil production is the first step in the development of pimples. Patients apply Winlevi cream to the affected skin twice daily. The most common side effects are skin reactions like redness or irritation.

Check our best Winlevi prices

Winlevi overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Winlevi

Generic Names:

  • Clascoterone

Uses:

  • Treats acne.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiacne, antiandrogen

Forms:

  • Cream

How it’s taken:

  • Applied to the skin

What is Winlevi used for?

  • Winlevi is an acne treatment for adults and children 12 years of age and older.

What form(s) does Winlevi come in?

  • Cream

    • 1%

What are common Winlevi dosages?

  • For acne vulgaris in adults and children 12 years of age and older: Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin twice daily

Winlevi images - What does Winlevi look like?

  • Winlevi
    60gm of 1% tube

How to take Winlevi

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with the medicine.

  • Use Winlevi only on the skin.

    • Do not get Winlevi cream into your eyes, nose, mouth, corners of the nose, or vagina. If you do, rinse the area with water. 

    • Do not use Winlevi on skin with cuts, scrapes, sunburn, or rash.

  • Use twice daily. Apply one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening.

  • Applying a dose:

    • Gently wash and dry the affected skin area. 

    • Apply a thin, even layer of the cream to the affected skin.

    • Wash your hands when finished.

  • Store Winlevi cream at room temperature. Do not freeze.

  • Dispose of any remaining medicine 180 days after picking it up at the pharmacy or one month after opening it, whichever is soonest.

What to do if you miss a dose of Winlevi

  • Ask the prescriber how to manage a missed dose.

  • Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Winlevi contraindications - Who shouldn't take Winlevi?

  • Winlevi does not have contraindications.

Winlevi warnings

  • Tell other doctors and healthcare providers you are using this medication when they treat you.

  • Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

  • Eczema

  • Sunburn

  • Other skin problems 

  • This medicine may suppress your body’s ability to produce cortisol or it may cause potassium levels to increase. In clinical trials, these problems were not advanced enough to produce symptoms. The dermatologist or other healthcare provider treating you may need regular blood tests and office visits to monitor for these problems. Keep all appointments.

Winlevi interactions & what to avoid when taking Winlevi

  • Do not use any other medicines on the treated skin areas without consulting with the prescriber. 

  • Tell other doctors who treat you about Winlevi before they prescribe new topical medications.

  • When taking Winlevi, avoid skincare products that irritate or dry the skin such as:

    • Medicated soaps or cleansers

    • Abrasive soaps or cleansers

    • Skin cleansers or other products that dry the skin

    • Alcohol-containing products

    • Astringents

    • Spices

    • Lime

Winlevi side effects - How does Winlevi make you feel?

Serious side effects

Winlevi can cause some serious but subclinical side effects, that is, side effects with no symptoms or other problems. These include elevated potassium and suppression of the body’s ability to produce the hormone cortisol (HPA suppression). Because these are subclinical side effects, patients using Winlevi should keep all appointments with the prescriber and take all requested blood tests.

Just in case, tell the prescriber if you notice a cluster of symptoms that could be caused by HPA suppression such as:

  • Tiredness or fatigue that is not relieved by sleeping 

  • Weight gain, muscle aches, joint pain, food cravings, light sensitivity, facial swelling

  • Infections, inflammation, slow wound healing

  • Dizziness, brain fog, sleeplessness, difficulty waking up

  • Irritability, depression, anxiety, decreased interest in sex

There are no reports of severe allergic reactions to Winlevi.

Less serious side effects

  • Application site reactions such as itching, burning, redness, or peeling

Sources:

Winlevi News & Research

How much is Winlevi without insurance?

Best spironolactone alternatives and what to know before switching

How to use tretinoin

8 causes of adult acne—and how to treat it

Medicamentos A-Z:

Ver todos