Winlevi in 2026: Is There a Shortage?

If you've been trying to fill a prescription for Winlevi (Clascoterone) cream and running into dead ends, you might be wondering: is there an actual shortage?

The short answer is that Winlevi is not currently listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to find. Many patients report difficulty locating Winlevi at their local pharmacies, and the experience can feel very much like a shortage even when the supply technically exists.

Here's what's actually going on and what you can do about it.

Is Winlevi Still in a Shortage?

As of early 2026, Winlevi is not in a formal nationwide shortage. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, the manufacturer, continues to produce and distribute the medication. The supply chain from the manufacturer to wholesalers appears to be functioning.

However, there's an important distinction between manufacturing supply and pharmacy-level availability. Just because the drug is being produced doesn't mean your local CVS or Walgreens has it on the shelf.

The reality is that Winlevi's availability issues are driven by several factors that make it behave like a shortage for individual patients, even when the overall supply is adequate.

Why Is Winlevi Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to Winlevi's limited availability at the pharmacy level:

No generic exists. Clascoterone has no generic version as of 2026. With only one manufacturer (Sun Pharmaceutical), there's less total product in the distribution chain compared to medications with multiple generic makers.

Low stocking rates. Many pharmacies, especially large chains, only stock medications they dispense regularly. Winlevi is a specialty acne treatment primarily prescribed by dermatologists, so neighborhood pharmacies without a strong dermatology patient base may not carry it at all.

Insurance barriers reduce demand signals. When insurance plans require prior authorization or step therapy for Winlevi, fewer prescriptions get filled. This further reduces the incentive for pharmacies to keep it in stock.

Cold storage requirements. Winlevi must be stored in a refrigerator (36-46°F) before dispensing. This additional storage requirement may discourage some pharmacies from stocking it, especially if they have limited refrigerator space.

For a deeper dive into these factors, read our article on why Winlevi is so hard to find.

How Much Does Winlevi Cost in 2026?

The cost of Winlevi remains a significant barrier for many patients:

• Cash price (no insurance): Approximately $846 for one 60-gram tube
• With a discount card (e.g., SingleCare): Around $559
• With insurance: Varies widely depending on your plan, but copays can range from $30 to over $200 depending on formulary tier

Because there's no generic, patients don't have a lower-cost Clascoterone option. For detailed savings strategies, see our guide on how to save money on Winlevi.

Are There New Options for Acne Patients?

The acne treatment landscape continues to evolve. While Winlevi remains the only topical androgen receptor inhibitor on the market, patients have several other effective options:

• Tretinoin (Retin-A): A well-established topical retinoid with generic options starting around $20
• Adapalene (Differin): Available OTC for about $12-$30
• Spironolactone: An oral option for women with hormonal acne, generic available for $4-$20/month
• Dapsone gel (Aczone): A topical anti-inflammatory with generic options

For a full comparison, read our article on alternatives to Winlevi.

How to Find Winlevi in Stock

If you need Winlevi, here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability near you
2. Call independent pharmacies near dermatology offices — they're more likely to stock it
3. Ask your dermatologist which pharmacies they recommend for specialty medications
4. Consider mail-order pharmacies that specialize in dermatology prescriptions
5. Request your pharmacy to order it — most can get it within 1-3 business days

For more detailed tips, see our full guide on how to find Winlevi in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Winlevi isn't in a formal shortage in 2026, but the practical experience of trying to fill a prescription can be frustrating. The combination of brand-name-only status, limited pharmacy stocking, insurance hurdles, and high cost creates real barriers.

Stay proactive: use Medfinder to find availability, work with your dermatologist on insurance paperwork, and explore savings programs. If you're a provider looking for resources, check out our provider guide to Winlevi availability.