Type of medicine: facial hair growth treatment
Generic and brand names: eflornithine hydrochloride, topical; Vaniqa
This medicine used on the skin to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women.
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Apply a thin layer of this cream to the areas of your face and under your chin where you have unwanted hair. Rub it in thoroughly. Use this medicine only on these areas. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the cream as your healthcare provider prescribes.
This medicine does not remove hair. Instead, it slows hair growth to improve your appearance. You may continue to use hair removal methods (for example, shaving or plucking) while you are using this medicine. Wait at least 5 minutes after hair removal before you apply this medicine. Also, you may use cosmetics or sunscreen lotions after this medicine has dried.
Do not apply this medicine to your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Read the information sheet that comes in the medicine package.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fainting, dizziness, confusion, irregular or fast heartbeat, headache.
Hair growth usually slows down 4 to 8 weeks after you start using this medicine. Do not use the medicine longer than 6 months if it does not seem to be working. The rate of hair growth may return to its pretreatment level 8 weeks after you stop treatment.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report this to your healthcare provider right away): Severe skin irritation.
Other: Stinging, burning, itching or dry skin; headache, acne, facial swelling, ingrown hair.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
