Indications
Vaniqa Cream (active ingredient: eflornithine) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Unwanted Facial Hair: Vaniqa Cream is used to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women.
Vaniqa Cream belongs to a class of drugs known as enzyme inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme involved in hair growth. This helps to slow down the growth of facial hair, leading to smoother and less noticeable skin.
Uses and Dosage
Vaniqa cream is a topical cream that is applied to the affected area twice a day, at least eight hours apart. Here are the general steps for how to use Vaniqa cream:
To use Vaniqa cream, follow these steps:
- Wash the affected areas of the face and under the chin with a mild soap or cleanser and pat dry.
- Wait at least 5 minutes before applying Vaniqa cream.
- Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of Vaniqa cream onto your fingertips.
- Apply the cream evenly and thinly to the affected areas, covering the entire area with hair.
- Rub the cream gently and thoroughly into the skin until it is absorbed.
- Do not wash the treated areas of the face or under the chin for at least 4 hours after applying Vaniqa cream.
Vaniqa cream is for external use only and should not be used in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Also, you should not rely solely on Vaniqa cream as your only hair removal method; you should continue to use other hair removal methods as directed by your healthcare provider
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Vaniqa Cream (Eflornithine):
- Mild burning or tingling sensation
- Redness on the application site
- Skin dryness
Serious Side Effects of Vaniqa Cream (Eflornithine):
- Acne
- Crusting around the hair follicles
- Hair bumps or folliculitis
- Severe irritation
Form and strength
Vaniqa Cream (Eflornithine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Vaniqa Cream: Cream
- 13.9%
Eflornithine: Cream
- 13.9%
Caution
- Allergies: Do not use this cream if you are allergic to eflornithine or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
- Pre-existing skin conditions: Vaniqa cream may cause skin irritation, burning, stinging, or rash. Do not use this cream on irritated or broken skin.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using Vaniqa cream during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Pediatric use: The safety and efficacy of Vaniqa cream in children under the age of 12 have not been established.
- Drug interactions: Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your healthcare provider to avoid any potential drug interactions.
- Sun exposure: Vaniqa cream may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and increase the risk of sunburn. Use sunscreen and protective clothing while using this medication.
- Eye contact: Avoid getting this cream in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it accidentally gets in your eyes, wash them immediately with plenty of water.
- Application site reactions: Vaniqa cream may cause skin irritation, such as redness, itching, burning, or swelling, at the application site. If skin irritation persists or worsens, contact your healthcare provider.
- Effectiveness: While Vaniqa cream can reduce unwanted facial hair growth, it may take several weeks to see the desired effect. If no improvement is seen after six months of use, it is recommended to discontinue the medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take Vaniqa to start working?
It may take 8 weeks or longer to see any benefit from Vaniqa. A 4-month trial of treatment is recommended. After 4 months, if there is no improvement, you should stop using Vaniqa.
How often should I apply Vaniqa?
It is usually applied twice daily at least 8 hours apart or as directed by your doctor. Do not apply for at least 5 minutes after hair removal (such as plucking, shaving).
Can Vaniqa (eflornithine) be used on other areas of the body besides the face?
No, Vaniqa (eflornithine) is only approved for use on the face or areas under the chin that are affected by unwanted hair growth.
Is Vaniqa Cream safe to use during pregnancy?
It is not known whether Vaniqa Cream is safe to use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using Vaniqa Cream.
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