tirbanibulin at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antineoplastic treatment that disrupts microtubules.
Usual use
Field treatment of mild, non-thickened actinic keratosis on the adult face or scalp.
Form
White to off-white ointment supplied in single-use sachets.
Application care
Avoid the eyes, lips and inside of the nose or ears; wash hands before and after application.
What is tirbanibulin used for?
Licensed use:
Field treatment of non-hyperkeratotic, non-hypertrophic, mild actinic keratosis of the face or scalp in adults.
How does tirbanibulin work?
Tirbanibulin binds to tubulin and disrupts microtubules, which cells need to divide. This arrests the cell cycle and promotes the death of proliferating abnormal cells. Disruption of Src signalling may also contribute.
tirbanibulin preparations and strengths
Ointment
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 10 mg/g
How to take tirbanibulin
Use externally on the prescribed area of the face or scalp exactly as directed.
Wash the area with mild soap and water, then dry it.
Spread a thin, even layer across the prescribed treatment field.
Do not apply to open wounds, broken skin or skin that has not healed after another treatment or procedure.
Do not bandage or otherwise cover the treated area.
Wash hands with soap and water before and immediately after application.
Discard each sachet after opening, even if ointment remains.
tirbanibulin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Redness, flaking or scaling, crusting and swelling at the application site
- Superficial skin erosion or ulceration
- Pain, tenderness, stinging or burning in the treated area
- Itching
- Blisters or pustules
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe or intolerable reactions in the treated area require prompt assessment
- Eye irritation after accidental contact requires immediate rinsing and medical care
tirbanibulin in pregnancy
Tirbanibulin is not recommended during pregnancy or for someone who could become pregnant and is not using contraception. Human data are limited, and animal studies found reproductive toxicity; discuss alternatives with the prescriber.
tirbanibulin while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether tirbanibulin or its metabolites enter human milk, and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. The prescriber should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against treatment and decide whether either should be paused.
tirbanibulin interactions
Specific interaction studies have not been performed. Systemic interaction potential is considered low because skin absorption is minimal, but local treatment overlap matters.
Other medicines applied to the same skin area
Tell the prescriber about previous or current topical treatments; tirbanibulin should not be applied until the skin has healed.
Dermatological procedures or surgery on the treatment area
Application should wait until the skin has healed.
Systemic medicines
No specific clinically relevant interactions are established; interaction potential is considered low at expected exposure.
Common questions about tirbanibulin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is tirbanibulin used for?
It treats a defined field of mild, non-thickened actinic keratoses on the face or scalp in adults.
Can it be used on thick or raised lesions?
It is licensed for mild lesions that are not thickened or enlarged. Raised, warty, ulcerated or otherwise atypical lesions need clinical assessment.
Can it be applied to broken skin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.