Homechevron_rightDrugschevron_rightVaniqa (eflornithine) Prices
eflornithine
Used for Parasitic Infection, Hirsutism
Used for Parasitic Infection, Hirsutism
Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a cream used to slow down the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It won’t permanently remove facial hair, so you'll have to continue with your normal hair removal techniques. But, using this medication should lessen your time and effort spent removing unwanted facial hair. Vaniqa (eflornithine) is only available as a brand-name medication, so it can be expensive.
Reviewed by:
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
Ashley Wong, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 7, 2022
What is Vaniqa (eflornithine)?
What is Vaniqa (eflornithine) used for?
Unwanted facial hair in women
How Vaniqa (eflornithine) works
Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a topical skin product that slows down the activity of the protein ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). ODC plays an important part in cell growth and function. Lowering this protein's activity leads to less cell production in the hair follicles. So when Vaniqa (eflornithine) is applied to the skin, it results in less hair growth.
info
Are you looking for information on Vanos (fluocinonide) cream or Vandazole (metronidazole) vagin*l gel instead?
When does Vaniqa (eflornithine) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
Drug Facts
Common BrandsVaniqa
Drug ClassTopical skin product
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
What are the side effects of Vaniqa (eflornithine)?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
The following skin side effects occurred in less than 1% of people being treated with Vaniqa (eflornithine):
When do Vaniqa (eflornithine) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Stinging or burning skin
Itching
Skin redness
Source:DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Sore throat and fever
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
Convulsions (seizures)
loss of hearing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare
Hair loss
headache
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Vaniqa (eflornithine)
Pros
Lessens the need for facial hair removal by slowing down hair growth
Can continue to use makeup and sunscreen
Side effects are usually mild
Can see results in as little as 4 weeks
Cons
Does not stop hair growth completely
Not available as a generic medication so it might be expensive
Need to leave on for at least 4 hours before washing the area for the best results
Can only be used on the face and affected areas under the chin
Pharmacist tips for Vaniqa (eflornithine)
Continue your normal hair removal routines as needed while using Vaniqa (eflornithine). Wait at least 5 minutes after hair removal before applying Vaniqa (eflornithine).
Rub Vaniqa (eflornithine) in well and don't wash the treated area for at least 4 hours after applying.
If you experience skin irritation while using Vaniqa (eflornithine), you can talk to your healthcare provider about applying it just once daily instead of twice daily. If irritation continues, you should talk to your provider.
Wash your hands after applying Vaniqa (eflornithine) and avoid getting it in your eyes or inside your nose or mouth. If Vaniqa (eflornithine) gets in your eyes, rinse well with water and contact your provider.
If you don't see any improvements in unwanted facial hair after using Vaniqa (eflornithine) for 6 months, you should contact your provider about other treatment options.
Frequently asked questions about Vaniqa (eflornithine)
Does Vaniqa (eflornithine) permanently remove facial hair?
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No, Vaniqa (eflornithine) won't permanently remove facial hair or completely stop hair from growing. It can slow down the growth of facial hair, but you'll likely still need to continue your normal hair removal procedures. However, you should have to do this less often as you continue to use Vaniqa (eflornithine).
How long will it take to see results from Vaniqa (eflornithine)?
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You won't see results from Vaniqa (eflornithine) right away. Results can occur as early as 4 to 8 weeks after starting treatment, but it might take longer for some people. If you don't notice any improvement after 6 months you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Will Vaniqa (eflornithine) cause facial burning or stinging?
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Around 4% of people using Vaniqa (eflornithine) reported burning or stinging of the face during studies. You're more likely to experience temporary burning or stinging if Vaniqa (eflornithine) is applied to broken skin.
Can Vaniqa (eflornithine) be used on other areas of the body besides the face?
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No, Vaniqa (eflornithine) is only approved for use on the face or areas under the chin that are affected by unwanted hair growth.
Can I use sunscreen or makeup with Vaniqa (eflornithine)?
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Yes, you can apply sunscreen or makeup over Vaniqa (eflornithine) once the cream has dried completely (a few minutes). Talk to your healthcare provider if you're using other prescription or over-the-counter medications on your face before using Vaniqa (eflornithine).
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Vaniqa (eflornithine) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Vaniqa (eflornithine)
The typical dose of Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a thin layer applied twice daily to the affected areas at least 8 hours apart.
Interactions between Vaniqa (eflornithine) and other drugs
Vaniqa (eflornithine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Vaniqa (eflornithine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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