VANIQA DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

EFLORNITHINE - TOPICAL (eh-FLOOR-nith-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vaniqa

USES: This medication is used to slow down the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It interferes with an enzyme needed in the skin for hair growth but does not remove hair. This drug is not for use in children under the age of 12 years.

HOW SHOULD I USE VANIQA?:

• Apply eflornithine topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Eflornithine topical does not permanently remove hair. It is not a hair remover (depilatory). You will need to continue using your current hair removal techniques. Eflornithine topical will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.
• Eflornithine topical is for external use only.
• Vaniqa is typically applied twice daily, at least eight hours apart, or as directed by your doctor.
• Wash your hands before and after each application of eflornithine topical.
• Remove any facial hair that is present using your current hair removal techniques. Wait at least 5 minutes after hair removal before applying eflornithine topical. Apply a thin layer of eflornithine topical to the affected areas of the face and nearby affected areas under the chin and rub it in thoroughly.
• Cosmetics or sunscreen may be used after applying eflornithine topical, but you should wait a few minutes to allow the treatment to be absorbed before applying them.
• Do not wash the treatment areas for at least 4 hours after application of eflornithine topical.
• Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wash the area with water. If Vaniqa in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.
• Eflornithine topical may cause temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging, or tingling, especially if it is applied to broken or irritated skin. If irritation develops, reduce the application of eflornithine topical to once a day. If irritation continues, stop using eflornithine topical and contact your doctor.
• Continue to use Vaniqa even if you do not see immediate results. Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, however it may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment with eflornithine topical should be discontinued. Hair growth may return to pretreatment levels approximately 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with eflornithine topical.