Vaniqa

Vaniqa is a prescription medication used to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. 

It belongs to a group of drugs called other dermatologicals. It works to slow the growth of facial hair. 

This medication comes in cream form and is typically applied to the face and under the chin twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. 

Common side effects of Vaniqa include acne, hair bumps, and stinging/burning of the skin. 

Vaniqa is a prescription medication used to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It is only for use on the face and surrounding areas under the chin. 

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The recommended dosage regimen of Vaniqa (eflornithine) is application twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. 

Serious side effects have been reported with Vaniqa including the following: 

• Allergic reactions. Your doctor may discontinue Vaniqa if you experience an allergic reaction. 
• Skin irritation. If skin irritation or intolerance develops to Vaniqa, your doctor may reduce the frequency of application from twice a day to once a day. If irritation continues, your doctor may discontinue Vaniqa. 

Vaniqa may cause temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging or tingling, especially when the skin is damaged. If irritation continues, stop use of Vaniqa and contact your doctor. 

Vaniqa is for external use ONLY. 

Do not use Vaniqa if you:

• are allergic to Vaniqa or to any of its ingredients
• if you are less than 12 years of age

Serious side effects have been reported with Vaniqa.  See "Vaniqa Precautions" section.

Common side effects of Vaniqa include:

• acne
• folliculitis (hair bumps)
• stinging or burning of the skin
• headache
• dry skin
• itching or tingling of the skin
• redness or irritation of the skin
• indigestion
• rash
• hair loss
• dizziness

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Vaniqa. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA­-1088.

No drug interactions have been determined by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, or using any facial or skin creams. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Vaniqa falls into category C. There are no well-controlled studies that have been done in pregnant women. Vaniqa should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if Vaniqa crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Vaniqa.