Generic Name: eflornithine topical (ee FLOOR nih theen)
Typical Brand Names: Vaniqak
What Is It Used For?
Vaniqa 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.
How Is It Used?
Vaniqa 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.
It is usually applied twice daily, at least eight hours apart.
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.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Vaniqa 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 may also occur. 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.
Is It Safe?
Avoid if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
It 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, and it
has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years
of age. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
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.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose (within
2 hours.), skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication. And try to keep your
doses at least 4 hours apart.
How Should It Be Stored?
Vaniqa should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture
and heat. Do not allow the medication to freeze. Keep out of the
reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Anything Else I Should Know?
It should be used externally only and continue using Vaniqa 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.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
