Vaniqa ® - Eflornithine Hydrochloride (HCl)
Bristol-Myers Squibb Labeling Vaniqa ® - July 27, 2000
Eflornithine Hydrochloride (HCl) (active ingredients) Pronounced - eh-FLOOR-nith-een
Vaniqa ® (brand name) Pronounced - VAN-i-ka
Vaniqa Cream ®, 13.9%
What is Vaniqa ®?
Vaniqa ® is a prescription medication prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional only. Vaniqa ® is applied to the skin for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women.
The active ingredient in Vaniqa ® is eflornithine hydrochloride. Vaniqa ® also contains ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, methylparaben, mineral oil, PEG-100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, stearyl alcohol and water.
How Does Vaniqa ® Work? Vaniqa ® interferes with an enzyme found in the hair follicle of the skin needed for hair growth. This results in slower hair growth and improved appearance where Vaniqa ® is applied. Vaniqa ® does not permanently remove hair or "cure" unwanted facial hair. It is not a depilatory. Your treatment program should include continuation of any hair removal technique you are currently using.
Vaniqa ® will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance. Improvement in the condition occurs gradually. Don't be discouraged if you see no immediate improvement. Be patient. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. Improvement may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, discontinue use. Clinical studies show that in about 8 weeks after stopping treatment with Vaniqa ®, the hair will return to the same condition as before beginning treatment.
Who Should Not Use Vaniqa ®?
You should not use Vaniqa ® if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the cream. All ingredients are listed on the tube and at the beginning of this page. Warning: You should not use Vaniqa ® if you are less than 12 years of age.
What Should You Tell Your Doctor Before Using Vaniqa ®?
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor whether you should use Vaniqa ® during pregnancy. No clinical studies have been performed in pregnant women. If you are breast feeding, consult your doctor before
using Vaniqa ®. It is not known if Vaniqa ® is passed to infants through breast milk.
If you are taking any prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines or using any facial or skin creams, check with your physician before use of Vaniqa ®.
How Should I Use Vaniqa ®?
Use Vaniqa ® only for the condition for which it was prescribed by your doctor. Do not give it to other people or allow other people to use it. You will need to continue your normal procedures for hair removal until desired results have been achieved. You may then be less bothered by the time spent in removing hair or the frequency of hair removal. Vaniqa ® is to be used twice daily, at least eight hours apart, or as directed by your doctor. Vaniqa ® is for external use only.
Follow the instructions for application of Vaniqa ® carefully. Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa ® to the affected areas of the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin and rub in thoroughly. You should not wash the treatment areas for at least 4 hours after application of 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.
Avoid getting the medication in your eyes or inside your nose or mouth. If the product gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor. If you forget or miss a dose of Vaniqa ® do not try to "make it up". Return to your normal application schedule as soon as you can. You may use your normal cosmetics or sunscreen after applying Vaniqa ®, but you should wait a few minutes to allow the treatment to be absorbed before applying them. If your condition gets worse with treatment, stop use of Vaniqa ® and contact your doctor.
What are the Possible Side Effects of Vaniqa ®?
Vaniqa ® may cause temporary redness, stinging, burning, tingling or rash on areas of the skin where it is applied. Folliculitis (hair bumps) may also occur. If these persist, consult your doctor. Possible side effects other than those listed may occur.
How Should Vaniqa ® be Stored?
Vaniqa ® should be stored at 15°C - 30°C (59°F -86°F). Do not freeze. Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.
If this medicine is prescribed for your particular condition, do not use it for another condition or give it to anyone else.
References:
1) FDA (Food and Drug Administration) - July 2000 - www.fda.gov
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory