Vaniqa

Generic Name: eflornithine topical (ee FLOOR nih theen)

Brand Names: Vaniqa

What is eflornithine topical?

Eflornithine interferes with a chemical in the hair follicles of the skin. This results in slower hair growth where eflornithine topical is applied.

Eflornithine topical is used to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. Eflornithine topical does not permanently remove hair or "cure" unwanted facial hair. Eflornithine topical will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.

Eflornithine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about eflornithine topical?

Eflornithine topical is for external use only.

Continue to use eflornithine topical even if you do not see immediate results. Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, however it may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment with eflornithine topical should be discontinued. Hair growth may return to pretreatment levels approximately 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with eflornithine topical.

Who should not use eflornithine topical?

Do not use eflornithine topical if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. Eflornithine topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether eflornithine topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether eflornithine passes into breast milk. Do not use eflornithine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Eflornithine topical has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I use eflornithine topical?

Apply eflornithine topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Eflornithine topical does not permanently remove hair or "cure" unwanted facial hair. It is not a hair remover (depilatory). You will need to continue using your current hair removal techniques. Eflornithine topical will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.

Eflornithine topical is for external use only.

Eflornithine topical is usually applied twice daily, at least eight hours apart, or as directed by your doctor.

Wash your hands before and after each application of eflornithine topical.

Remove any facial hair that is present using your current hair removal techniques. Wait at least 5 minutes after hair removal before applying eflornithine topical. Apply a thin layer of eflornithine topical to the affected areas of the face and nearby affected areas under the chin and rub it in thoroughly.

Cosmetics or sunscreen may be used after applying eflornithine topical, but you should wait a few minutes to allow the treatment to be absorbed before applying them.

Do not wash the treatment areas for at least 4 hours after application of eflornithine topical. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wash the area with water. If eflornithine topical gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

Eflornithine topical may cause temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging, or tingling, especially if it is applied to broken or irritated skin. If irritation develops, reduce the application of eflornithine topical to once a day. If irritation continues, stop using eflornithine topical and contact your doctor.

Continue to use eflornithine topical even if you do not see immediate results. Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, however it may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment with eflornithine topical should be discontinued. Hair growth may return to pretreatment levels approximately 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with eflornithine topical.

Store eflornithine topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the medication to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of eflornithine topical, skip the dose you missed and apply your next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not apply a double dose of this medication or try to "make up" a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of eflornithine topical is not likely to occur. If the cream has been ingested, or if you suspect an overdose has occurred, contact your doctor, hospital emergency room, or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using eflornithine topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wash the area with water. If eflornithine topical gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

Eflornithine topical side effects

Eflornithine topical may cause temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging, or tingling, especially if it is applied to broken or irritated skin. If irritation develops, reduce the application of eflornithine topical to once a day. If irritation continues, stop using eflornithine topical and contact your doctor.

Hair bumps (folliculitis) may also occur. If these continue, contact your doctor.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect eflornithine topical?

Before using eflornithine topical, talk to your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, especially if you are using any other topical preparations. You may not be able to use eflornithine topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with eflornithine topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

More Vaniqa resources

• Vaniqa Side Effects (in more detail)
• Vaniqa Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Vaniqa Support Group
• 8 Reviews for Vaniqa - Add your own review/rating

• Vaniqa Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Vaniqa Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Vaniqa Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Vaniqa Consumer Overview

Compare Vaniqa with other medications

• Hirsutism

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about eflornithine topical written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Vaniqa side effects (in more detail)