Eflornithine Hydrochloride, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: eflornithine hydrochloride, topical; Vaniqa

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine used to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women.

How do I use it?

Apply a thin layer of this cream to the areas of your face and under your chin where you have unwanted hair. Rub it in thoroughly. Use this medicine only on these areas. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours. Use the cream as your health care provider prescribes.

This medicine does not remove hair. Instead, it slows hair growth to improve your appearance. You may continue to use hair removal methods (for example, shaving or plucking) while you are using this medicine. Wait at least 5 minutes after hair removal before you apply this medicine. Also, you may use cosmetics or sunscreen lotions after this medicine has dried.

Do not apply this medicine to your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Read the information sheet that comes in the medicine package.

What should I watch out for?

Hair growth usually slows down 4 to 8 weeks after you start using this medicine. The rate of hair growth may return to its pretreatment level 8 weeks after you stop treatment.

If your skin becomes irritated, use this medicine only once a day. If the irritation continues, stop using this medicine.

This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report this to your health care provider right away): Severe skin irritation.

Other: Stinging, burning, dry skin, headache, dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.