Vaniqa

Generic name: eflornithine topical
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is Vaniqa?

Vaniqa is a prescription medication applied to the skin for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women.

Mechanism of action

Vaniqa interferes with an enzyme found in the hair follicle of the skin needed for hair growth. This results in slower hair growth and improved appearance where Vaniqa is applied.

Vaniqa does not permanently remove hair or “cure” unwanted facial hair. It is not a depilatory. Your treatment program should include continuation of any hair removal technique you are currently using.

Vaniqa will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.

Improvement in the condition occurs gradually. Don’t be discouraged if you see no immediate improvement. Be patient. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. Improvement may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, discontinue use. Clinical studies show that in about 8 weeks after stopping treatment with Vaniqa, the hair will return to the same condition as before beginning treatment.

Description

VANIQA® is a cream containing 13.9% (139 mg/g) of anhydrous eflornithine hydrochloride as eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate (150 mg/g).

Chemically, eflornithine hydrochloride is (±) -2-(difluoromethyl) ornithine monohydrochloride monohydrate, with the empirical formula C6H12F2N2O2• HCl•H2O, a molecular weight of 236.65 and the following structural formula:

Anhydrous eflornithine hydrochloride has an empirical formula C6H12F2N2O2• HCl and a molecular weight of 218.65.

Other ingredients include: ceteareth-20; cetearyl alcohol; dimethicone; glyceryl stearate; methylparaben; mineral oil; PEG-100 stearate; phenoxyethanol; propylparaben; stearyl alcohol; and water.

Who should not use Vaniqa?

You should not use Vaniqa if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the cream. A complete list of ingredients are listed on the tube and at the end of this guide.

You should not use Vaniqa if you are less than 12 years of age.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Vaniqa?

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, tell your doctor.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor whether you should use Vaniqa during pregnancy. No clinical studies have been performed in pregnant women.
• If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Vaniqa. It is not known if Vaniqa is passed to infants through breast milk.
• If you are taking any prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines or using any facial or skin creams, check with your physician before use of Vaniqa.

How should I use Vaniqa?

Use Vaniqa only for the condition for which it was prescribed by your doctor. Do not give it to other people or allow other people to use it.

You will need to continue your normal procedures for hair removal until desired results have been achieved. You may then be less bothered by the time spent in removing hair or the frequency of hair removal. Vaniqa is to be used twice daily, at least eight hours apart, or as directed by your doctor. Vaniqa is for external use only.

Follow the instructions for application of Vaniqa carefully. Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa to the affected areas of the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin and rub in thoroughly. You should not wash the treatment areas for at least 4 hours after application of Vaniqa. Wash your hands after each application.

Vaniqa may cause temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging or tingling, especially when the skin is damaged. If irritation continues, stop use of Vaniqa and contact your doctor. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes or inside your nose or mouth. If the product gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

If you forget or miss a dose of Vaniqa, do not try to “make it up”. Return to your normal application schedule as soon as you can.

You may use your normal cosmetics or sunscreen after applying Vaniqa, but you should wait a few minutes to allow the treatment to be absorbed before applying them.

If your condition gets worse with treatment, stop use of Vaniqa and contact your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Vaniqa?

Vaniqa may cause temporary redness, stinging, burning, tingling or rash on areas of the skin where it is applied. Folliculitis (hair bumps) may also occur. If these persist, consult your doctor.

General information about the safe and effective use of Vaniqa

This medicine was prescribed for your particular condition. Do not use it for another condition or give it to anyone else.

This summary does not include everything there is to know about Vaniqa. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information about Vaniqa, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information upon which this leaflet is based. You may want to read it and discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional. Remember, no written summary can replace careful discussion with your doctor.

How should I store Vaniqa?

Vaniqa should be stored at 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Do not freeze.

Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

What are the ingredients in Vaniqa?

Active ingredients: eflornithine hydrochloride.

Inactive ingredients: polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, cetostearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl monostearate, methylparaben, mineral oil, polyoxyl 100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, stearyl alcohol, water.

Label

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