Generic name: vaniqa
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Vaniqa, Eflornithine topical
What is Eflornithine (monograph)?
Introduction
Hair growth retardant.
Uses for Eflornithine
Reduction of Unwanted Facial Hair
Reduction of unwanted facial hair in women.
Eflornithine Dosage and Administration
General
-
Marked improvement may occur after 8 weeks of therapy. Hair growth usually returns to baseline levels 8 weeks after discontinuing therapy.
Administration
Topical Administration
Apply to skin as a 13.9% cream.
Apply only to affected areas of the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin; not intended for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Apply a thin film and rub in thoroughly.
Do not wash treated areas for at least 4 hours after application.
Continue hair removal techniques (e.g., plucking, tweezing, cutting, shaving), as needed, throughout treatment. Do not apply cream for at least 5 minutes after hair removal.
May apply cosmetic products and sunscreens after cream has dried.
Dosage
Available as eflornithine hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.
Adults
Reduction of Unwanted Facial Hair
Topical
Apply a thin film twice daily at least 8 hours apart (or as directed by clinician).
If skin irritation or intolerance develops, reduce application frequency to once daily. If irritation continues, discontinue therapy.
Related/similar drugs
spironolactone, Aldactone, Vaniqa, flutamide, Florexa, EulexinWarnings
Contraindications
-
Known hypersensitivity to eflornithine or any ingredient in the formulation.
Warnings/Precautions
Sensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Discontinue therapy if hypersensitivity reactions occur.
General Precautions
Dermatologic Effects
Possible transient stinging or burning if applied to abraded or broken skin.
Skin irritation may occur in susceptible patients or in those using higher than recommended dosages.
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.
Lactation
Not known whether eflornithine is distributed into milk. Caution if used in nursing women.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <12 years of age.
Geriatric Use
No substantial differences in safety relative to younger adults.
Common Adverse Effects
Burning, stinging, and/or tingling skin; erythema; rash.
How should I use Eflornithine (monograph)
General
-
Marked improvement may occur after 8 weeks of therapy. Hair growth usually returns to baseline levels 8 weeks after discontinuing therapy.
Administration
Topical Administration
Apply to skin as a 13.9% cream.
Apply only to affected areas of the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin; not intended for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Apply a thin film and rub in thoroughly.
Do not wash treated areas for at least 4 hours after application.
Continue hair removal techniques (e.g., plucking, tweezing, cutting, shaving), as needed, throughout treatment. Do not apply cream for at least 5 minutes after hair removal.
May apply cosmetic products and sunscreens after cream has dried.
Dosage
Available as eflornithine hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.
Adults
Reduction of Unwanted Facial Hair
Topical
Apply a thin film twice daily at least 8 hours apart (or as directed by clinician).
If skin irritation or intolerance develops, reduce application frequency to once daily. If irritation continues, discontinue therapy.