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What is Vaniqa?

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

In clinical trials, one out of three women using Vaniqa had significantly less or no facial hair growth at the application site after 24 weeks of therapy. Another 26 percent showed some improvement, while 42 percent reported no change or increased hair growth. Vaniqa users also said they spent significantly less time removing, treating, or concealing their facial hair.

After washing your face, apply Vaniqa cream in a thin layer to the affected areas twice a day. Wait at least eight hours between applications, and do not wash the area for at least four hours after using Vaniqa. You should also wait at least 5 minutes before applying sunscreen, makeup, or other cosmetics to your face after using Vaniqa. Vaniqa is not a depilatory agent, it does not remove or destroy hair, but works to slow the growth of hair. Continue to use a hair removal method (such as waxing, tweezing, or depilatory cream) until you achieve the desired effects. Wait at least five minutes after hair removal before applying Vaniqa.

You may see improvement in as little as four to eight weeks of therapy, but it may take longer. If you stop using Vaniqa, facial hair will return in about two months. It has not been approved for use by men or for removing non-facial hair.

Sources:
“Eflornithine Cream For Facial Hair Reduction.” The Medical Letter On Drugs and Therapeutics Vol. 42 (Issue 1089) October 2000.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Vaniqa product information. SkinMedica, Inc., 2006.

This answer prepared 6/12/2001.
This information updated 1/30/2007.