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Are there any prescription treatments for excess body and facial hair?

Vaniqa (generic name eflornithine hydrochloride) is a FDA approved prescription cream for women that can reduce unwanted facial hair. Vaniqa seems to slow facial hair growth by interfering with the enzyme that promotes hair growth.

Excess hair growth in women is sometimes due to conditions that cause the body to produce excess male hormones called androgens. An oversupply of androgens in the body can lead to excessive unwanted hair. Some prescription drugs can help reduce hair growth by blocking androgens. These include certain birth control pills, the diuretic >spironolactone (brand name Aldactone), and flutamide (>Eulexin). Liver function must be continuously monitored for people taking Eulexin due to possible damage to the liver. These drugs are usually reserved for women who have severe excess hair growth or hair growth that's difficult to remove with do-it-yourself methods.

Sources:
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Shaw, J. "Antiandrogen and Hormonal Treatment of Acne," Dermatologic Clinics 14 (1996).
Sherif, K. "Benefits and Risks of Oral Contraceptives," American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 180 (1999).
Vaniqa product information. Warner Chilcott, 2006.
Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.
Hock D.L. "New Treatments of Hyperandrogenism and Hirsutism", Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics 27 (2000).

This answer prepared 12/13/2000.
This information updated 2/7/2007.

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