uses
What is topical eflornithine used for?Topical eflornithine is commonly used to reduce unwanted hair on a woman’s face.Topical eflornithine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.Note: The FDA-approved form of topical eflornithine (Vaniqa) has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States. Other topical eflornithine products may be available that have not been reviewed for safety and effectiveness or approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.Eflornithine is also available in a form that is taken by mouth that is used for other reasons. See Iwilfin (eflornithine) for more details.How does topical eflornithine work (mechanism of action)?Topical eflornithine may slow facial hair growth by blocking the activity of ornithine decarboxylase, which is an enzyme involved in hair growth.How is topical eflornithine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesVaniqaExample dosage forms and strengths13.9% topical creamHow should I store topical eflornithine?Topical eflornithine should be stored below 86 F (30 C). Store in a cool and dry place. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you have questions about how to store your medicines.
how to use
cream that is applied to the skin
drug interactions
Does topical eflornithine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between topical eflornithine and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical eflornithine.Does topical eflornithine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Topical eflornithine may interact with certain other medicines that are applied to the skin. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of topical eflornithine?The most common side effects of topical eflornithine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.AcneRazor bumpsRashStinging, burning, redness, tingling, or itching where the medicine is appliedThere may be other side effects of topical eflornithine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of topical eflornithine?While less common, the most serious side effects of topical eflornithine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical eflornithine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical eflornithine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching or skin rashBumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin toneNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint pain
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical eflornithine?If you or someone else has used too much topical eflornithine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of topical eflornithine?If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose following your normal schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use topical eflornithine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical eflornithine.EflornithineVaniqaAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical eflornithine products they stock.What should I know about topical eflornithine before using it?Do not use topical eflornithine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not share topical eflornithine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep topical eflornithine out of the reach of children.Topical eflornithine is only for use on the skin of the face and under the chin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water and contact your health care provider.Topical eflornithine may cause temporary burning or stinging, especially if it is applied to broken or irritated skin. If you have irritation or other side effects that bother you, contact your health care provider.Topical eflornithine does not completely or permanently remove hair. You should still use other hair removal methods, such as plucking or shaving, as needed. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for using this medicine. You should wait at least five minutes after using any other hair removal method before using topical eflornithine. You should wait until topical eflornithine has dried before using cosmetics or sunscreens on the same area.It can take up to eight weeks to notice any improvement after you start using topical eflornithine. If you still have not noticed any improvement after six months, stop using it. Talk to your health care provider about options to reduce unwanted facial hair.About eight weeks after you stop using topical eflornithine, your facial hair will likely return to how it looked before treatment. What should I tell my health care provider before using topical eflornithine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical eflornithine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical eflornithine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical eflornithine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical eflornithine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical eflornithine while breastfeeding.
about
Topical eflornithine is used to reduce unwanted facial hair. Common side effects can include acne, razor bumps, rash, or stinging, burning, redness, tingling, or itching where it is applied. It can take up to eight weeks to notice any improvement after you start using topical eflornithine. If you still have not noticed any improvement after six months, stop using it and talk to your health care provider about options to reduce unwanted facial hair.