Vaniqa Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Excess Facial Hair Growth in Women

It is normal for women to have some hair on their face, though it is typically light in color and thin in texture. Some women, however, may experience thick and dark facial hair. While this is not dangerous, it could be a signal of other health issues.

Excessive hair is caused by higher-than-normal levels of androgens, a group of hormones, such as testosterone, which is normally found in higher levels in men. In women, excessive facial hair has been associated with issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and adrenal gland problems. Some medications may also cause unwanted hair growth.

Vaniqa Active Ingredient

Generic Vaniqa Alternative: Eflornithine-Hydrochloride

Vaniqa contains the active ingredient eflornithine which slows down hair growth.

General Drug Information

What is Vaniqa and What Is It Used For?

Vaniqa is prescribed to women to slow down the growth of unwanted hair on the face and chin. It works by blocking an enzyme needed for hair growth. Besides slowing growth, it can also make hair finer and lighter.

Vaniqa does not remove hair or cause it to fall out. It should not be used for hair on other parts of the body. It is prohibited for use in children under twelve.

Usage and Application

Most people are instructed to use Vaniqa twice daily, usually eight hours apart. Patients should apply a thin area of cream to the affected area and rub in well. Users should keep away from water for at least four hours, and wait at least five minutes after plucking or shaving hair before applying Vaniqa.

Patients are recommended to wash their hands immediately after using the product, in order to avoid contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. In the event, this occurs, rinse the affected areas immediately.

It is important to wait for the medication to dry completely before applying any cosmetics or sunscreen to the treated area.

This is not a hair-removal product, so women can continue shaving or plucking hairs while using Vaniqa. Hair growth will return if usage of the product is stopped.

Patients should see improvement between four to eight weeks after starting treatment. This product works slowly and should be used exactly as directed. Patients should not apply more – or use Vaniqa more often – than prescribed, as the risk of unwanted side effects will increase.

Women should inform their doctor in the event their skin becomes red or irritated, and the condition persists or worsens.

Considerations Before Taking Vaniqa

Before using this product, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to eflornithine, its active ingredient, with their doctor. Vaniqa may also contain inactive ingredients such as methylparaben, which may cause allergic reactions.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially issues related to cuts, infections, and sores on the face.

Pregnant women need to discuss the risks and benefits of this product with their doctor. They should only use Vaniqa when necessary.

It is not known whether Vaniqa passes into breast milk. Women should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Vaniqa should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double the dose to catch up.

Other Medications and Vaniqa

Drug interactions may change the way Vaniqa works. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss all medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should also mention any skin care and/or hair removal products.

Women should not stop or change the dosage of this medicine without first consulting their doctor.

Adverse Reactions

Many women are able to use Vaniqa safely without serious side effects.

Some may experience burning, stinging, tingling, or redness of the skin. Women should inform their doctor in the event these effects persist or worsen.

Should patients develop serious side effects like acne or inflammation of the hair follicles, they should inform their doctor immediately

Serious allergic reactions to Vaniqa are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Vaniqa

Vaniqa cream should be stored at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 C), away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep away from children and pets. Do not freeze. Do not use after the expiration date.

Unwanted medication should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.