Vaniqa 13.9 % topical cream

Generic name:
Eflornithine - topical

Pronunciation
(eh-FLOOR-nith-een)

Brand name(s)
Vaniqa

This medication is used to slow down the growth of unwanted hair on the face and under the chin in women. It should not be used for hair on other parts of the body. It blocks a certain natural substance (an enzyme) that is needed for hair growth in the skin. This effect slows hair growth and may also make the hair finer and lighter. It does not remove hair or cause the hair to fall out.

This drug is not for use in children younger than 12 years.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using eflornithine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply a thin layer of this medication only to the affected areas of the face and chin as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (at least 8 hours apart). Rub the medication in well. Do not apply for at least 5 minutes after hair removal (such as plucking, shaving). Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours.

Wash hands immediately after using this product. This medication is for use on the skin only. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse immediately with clean water. If this drug gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

Wait until the medication has dried completely before applying cosmetics, moisturizers, or sunscreens over the treated areas.

This product is not a hair removal product. Continue to use hair removal techniques (such as shaving, plucking) while using this medication. If you stop using this product, hair growth will return.

You should see some improvement in 4 to 8 weeks. This medication works slowly. Use exactly as directed. Do not use more of this product or use it more often. Your condition will not improve faster, and the risk of side effects will increase. Tell your doctor if your skin becomes red or irritated. Your doctor may direct you to apply the medication only once a day or stop the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Acne or burning, stinging, tingling, and redness of the skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to eflornithine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as methylparaben), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• cuts/infections/sores on face

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not apply more to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.