What is Vaniqa (Eflornithine)?

Vaniqa, also known as Eflornithine, is a prescription topical cream designed to treat unwanted facial hair in women. By inhibiting the enzyme responsible for hair growth, Vaniqa slows down the growth of hair follicles, reducing the appearance of facial hair over time. The cream is applied twice daily to the affected areas. While generally well-tolerated, common side effects may include skin irritation and acne. It’s important to note that Vaniqa is not a hair removal method but rather a treatment for excessive facial hair. Visible results may take several weeks, and regular use is necessary to maintain the desired effects. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use.

Vaniqa (Eflornithine)
Vaniqa
Eflornithine Hydrochloride
Select product strength & quantity:
Vaniqa
Eflornithine Hydrochloride
Select product strength & quantity:

Prescription Required.

Product of Canada.

Shipped from Canada.

Prescription Required.Product of Canada.Shipped from Canada.

What is Vaniqa?

Vaniqa, also known as eflornithine, is a topical skin product used to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. Vaniqa is commonly used in combination with other facial hair reduction techniques.

How does Vaniqa work?

Vaniqa inhibits an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). ODC is involved in cell growth and division. Inhibition of ODC reduces the rate of cell division in the hair follicle and results in less hair growth.

Vaniqa is available only as a 13.9% cream.

Application

Vaniqa should be applied as a thin layer to affected areas of the face and chin twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours. If using other hair removal techniques, apply Vaniqa 5 minutes after hair removal. Cosmetics or sunscreens can be applied over treated areas after the area has dried.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C – 30°C (59°F – 86°F) and do not freeze. The tube crimp and carton show the expiration date and the lot number.

Overdose

Information on Vaniqa overdosage is not known. Seek immediate medical attention if the medication is swallowed.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Vaniqa:

  • Temporary redness
  • Burning or stinging of the skin
  • Rash
  • Itching or tingling of the skin
  • Acne or red bumps on the skin
  • Dry skin
  • Headache

Rare but serious side effects are less common but may still occur. Get immediate medical attention if you experience one of the following serious side effects:

  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of face, lips, throat, or tongue
  • Blistered or peeling skin
  • Severe skin irritation

This is not a complete list of the possible side effects. Please reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Warnings & Precautions

Discontinue Vaniqa if hypersensitivity occurs.

This medication is for external use in females only.

Information For Patients

You will likely need to continue using a hair removal method because Vaniqa does not remove hair; it works by slowing the rate of hair growth. Improvement may be seen in 4-8 weeks but may take longer in some instances. If treatment is discontinued, hair growth may reach the pretreatment condition after 8 weeks. You may temporarily reduce the number of applications to once per day if skin irritation occurs. The medication should be discontinued if irritation still occurs.

Drug Interactions

It is not known if Vaniqa has any interaction with other topical medications. However, Vaniqa has minimal systemic absorption and is not likely to interact with non-topical medications (oral, intravenous, intramuscular, etc.)

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription & over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.

Contraindications

Vaniqa is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to eflornithine or any other component of the preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaniqa is a prescription medication applied to the skin to reduce unwanted facial hair in women.

Vaniqa reduces the rate of hair growth by inhibiting the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). ODC is involved in the growth and division of hair follicle cells.

Vaniqa should be applied as a thin layer twice daily and at least 8 hours apart. Avoid washing the treated area for 4 hours. If using Vaniqa in combination with hair removal techniques, apply Vaniqa 5 minutes after hair removal.

This medication should not be used in anyone who has had a hypersensitivity reaction to eflornithine or any other ingredient in Vaniqa.

The active ingredient is eflornithine hydrochloride. The other ingredients are ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, methylparaben, mineral oil, PEG-100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, stearyl alcohol, and water.

The most common side effects are temporary redness, burning or stinging of the skin, rash, itching or tingling, acne, dry skin, or headaches.

Some rare but serious side effects are hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, blistered or peeling skin, and severe skin irritation. Please seek medical attention if one of these serious side effects occurs.

Vaniqa should be stored at room temperature (25°C or 77°F), and do not freeze the medication.

Vaniqa does not permanently remove facial hair. It works by slowing the rate at which hair grows back.

Results can be seen in 4-8 weeks but may take longer in certain instances. Continue to apply Vaniqa even if you do not see immediate results.

Yes, makeup and sunscreen can be used on treated areas after the cream has completely dried.

When a dose is missed, continue treatment at the next scheduled application. Do not double up on the next application in an attempt to make up the missed application.

Vaniqa is not recommended for use on any other areas of the body besides the face and chin. The medication has only been studied for use on the face and chin and may have different effects on other areas of the body.

If skin irritation occurs, you can temporarily decrease the applications to once daily. The medication should be discontinued if skin irritation is still occurring after speaking with your doctor.

After treatment is stopped, hair growth will be similar to before the treatment. Pretreatment conditions will return in approximately 8 weeks.

It is not known if Vaniqa interacts with other topical medications. Vaniqa has very low systemic absorption when used topically and is not likely to interact with oral, injectable, or other non-topical medications.

Make sure only to use a thin layer of cream because using more will not give better results. Seek immediate medical attention if Vaniqa cream is ingested by mouth.

Vaniqa has not been studied during pregnancy and is therefore not recommended. Please notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant while using Vaniqa.

There are currently no generic formulations for Vaniqa (eflornithine).

Vaniqa has not been studied in children under 12 years of age; therefore, it is only recommended in patients 12 years and older.