Vaniqa cream (eflornithine)

Description Vaniqa cream, available by prescription, minimises facial hair growth from the roots. Description Directions Apply Vaniqa twice daily, spaced at least 8 hours apart, such as morning and evening. Clean and dry the skin before applying a thin layer of cream, ensuring thorough absorption. Avoid washing the application areas for 4 hours if possible. After applying, wash hands and wait 5 minutes before applying makeup or sunscreen to the same area. Directions Warnings Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects are usually limited to the skin and mild in intensity. In such cases, they normally resolve without discontinuation of Vaniqa. Very common side effects (affects more than 1 user in 10): • Acne. Common side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 100): • Dry skin • Hair loss • Inflammation around the hair shaft • Itching • Rash • Redness • Skin irritation and bumps caused by shaving • Skin irritation • Stinging, tingling or burning feeling on the skin. Uncommon side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 1,000): • Bumpy rash (papular rash) • Cold sores • Redness and irritation at the site where the cream is applied • Eczema • Inflamed, dry, cracked or numb lips • Ingrowing hairs • Pale areas on the skin • Skin bleeding • Skin boils • Skin flushing • Skin inflammation • Sore skin • Swelling of the mouth or face • Unusual hair texture or hair growth. Rare side effects (affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000): • Abnormal skin growth (skin neoplasm) • Excessive hair growth • Flushing, facial redness and pimples, possibly with pus • Other skin disorders • Red, scaly and itchy skin inflammation (seborrheic dermatitis) • Red, bumpy or blistering rash • Skin cysts • Skin tightness. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed here. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. Warnings Ingredients The active substance is eflornithine. Each gram of cream contains 115 mg of eflornithine (as hydrochloride monohydrate). The other ingredients are: cetostearyl alcohol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, dimeticone, glyceryl stearate, macrogol stearate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), liquid paraffin, phenoxyethanol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), purified water, and stearyl alcohol. Tiny amounts of sodium hydroxide (E524) are sometimes added to keep acidity levels (pH levels) normal. Ingredients FAQs Where to use Vaniqa Vaniqa is specifically for facial use, avoiding contact with eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse thoroughly if contact occurs. Time it takes to work Results may take 2-4 months. Unlike hair removal creams, Vaniqa targets new hair growth at the follicle. Consult your doctor if there is no improvement after 4 months. Side effects Side effects are rare and mild, possibly including acne, stinging, tingling, soreness, or redness. Discontinuation due to side effects is uncommon. How it works Vaniqa's active ingredient, eflornithine, reduces new hair growth at the follicle base, targeting an enzyme involved in hair growth. It's not a depilatory cream, so you can continue your usual hair removal methods. Important information about Vaniqa Consult a doctor if sudden excess hair growth occurs. Avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. Inform us about other medications to ensure safe use.FAQs