Finding Winlevi Shouldn't Be This Hard — But Here's How to Do It

You have a prescription for Winlevi (Clascoterone) cream, and now you need to find a pharmacy that actually has it. As a newer, brand-name-only acne medication, Winlevi isn't always sitting on pharmacy shelves. But with the right approach, you can track it down without wasting hours on the phone.

Here are three proven strategies to find Winlevi in stock near you.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Pharmacy Availability

The fastest way to find Winlevi is to use Medfinder, a free tool that shows you which pharmacies near you currently have a medication in stock.

Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, Medfinder lets you search by medication name and zip code to see real-time availability. This is especially useful for brand-name medications like Winlevi that many pharmacies don't routinely carry.

How to use it:

• Go to medfinder.com
• Search for "Winlevi" or "Clascoterone"
• Enter your zip code
• See which nearby pharmacies have it in stock

This alone can save you hours of phone calls and multiple trips to pharmacies that don't have what you need.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

If the big chain pharmacies near you don't carry Winlevi, independent pharmacies are worth trying. Here's why:

They're more flexible with ordering. Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility in their ordering processes. If they don't have Winlevi on the shelf, many can order it within 1-2 business days.

They may already stock it. Independent pharmacies that serve dermatology clinics or are located near dermatologist offices are more likely to keep specialty acne medications like Winlevi in regular stock.

They provide better service. Independent pharmacists are often more willing to work with you to track down a medication, call other locations, or suggest alternatives while you wait.

You can also try specialty pharmacies that focus on dermatology medications. These pharmacies are specifically set up to stock and dispense harder-to-find skin care prescriptions.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills and Order Ahead

Once you've found a pharmacy that can get Winlevi, make the process smoother going forward:

Request refills early. Don't wait until your tube is empty. Winlevi cream should be discarded 180 days after dispensing or 1 month after first opening, so plan accordingly. Call in your refill at least a week before you'll run out.

Ask your pharmacy to keep it in stock. If you're a regular customer, ask the pharmacist to add Winlevi to their regular order. Many pharmacies will do this for patients who consistently fill the same prescription.

Consider auto-refill programs. Some pharmacies offer auto-refill services that ensure your medication is ordered and ready before you need it.

What If You Still Can't Find Winlevi?

If you've tried everything and still can't locate Winlevi, here are a few more options:

Ask your dermatologist. Your prescriber's office often knows which pharmacies in the area reliably stock Winlevi. They may also have samples to tide you over while you wait for your pharmacy to receive the medication.

Check mail-order pharmacies. Some mail-order and specialty pharmacies carry Winlevi and can ship it directly to you. This is especially helpful if you live in a rural area with fewer pharmacy options.

Explore alternatives temporarily. If the wait is too long, talk to your dermatologist about alternatives to Winlevi that might work while you wait. Options like Tretinoin, Adapalene, or Spironolactone (for women) address acne through different mechanisms.

Look into savings programs. Sometimes the issue isn't availability but cost. If your pharmacy has Winlevi but the price is a barrier, check out our guide on how to save money on Winlevi for coupons and patient assistance options.

Final Thoughts

Finding Winlevi takes a little more effort than picking up a common generic, but it's absolutely doable. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, expand your search to independent pharmacies, and plan ahead for refills.

For more background on why this medication can be tough to locate, read our article on why Winlevi is so hard to find.