Vaniqa cream (eflornithine)

How does it work?

Vaniqa cream contains the active ingredient eflornithine, which is a type of medicine known as an antiprotozoal. Eflornithine works by blocking the action of an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase. This is an enzyme found in hair follicles and is needed for hair to grow.

The cream is applied to the skin to reduce the growth of unwanted hair. It is used to treat unwanted facial hair growth in women, usually around the lips or under the chin.

Eflornithine only slows down the growth of unwanted hair. It does not actually remove hair so another method for hair removal such as plucking or shaving may need to be continued whilst using Vaniqa cream.

The benefit of using Vaniqa cream may be seen within two months after starting the treatment. If no improvement is seen after four months then treatment may be stopped by the doctor.

Vaniqa cream needs to be used continually once the benefits of reduced hair growth on the face have been seen. If treatment is stopped then re-growth is likely to occur within two months.

What is it used for?

Treatment of excessive hair growth on the face (facial hirsutism) in women.

Warning!

Vaniqa should only be used on the face and under the chin.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.

Avoid using on broken or irritated skin.

Do not use on skin immediately after using any other hair removal method. It is necessary to wait for at least five minutes.

Wash your hands after applying the cream.

For maximum effect, you should not clean the treated area of skin within four hours of applying the cream. You can use cosmetics (including sunscreens) on the treated areas, but don't apply them sooner than five minutes after applying the cream.

If your skin becomes irritated by the cream you should try using it less frequently. If the irritation persists, stop using the cream and consult your doctor.

Excessive hair growth due to underlying diseases needs to be investigated and treated before using Vaniqa.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function.

Not to be used in

Males.

Girls aged under 12 years.

Pregnancy.

Breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women or by those planning pregnancy. An alternative method of hair removal should be used.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk, but it is possible that it may. As a result, it should not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding.

Label warnings

For external use only.

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