|
Eflornithine
topical
Brand
Name: Vaniqa
Most
Common Medical Uses
Vaniqa
is most commonly used to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. It
may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
How
to Take This Medication
Vaniqa
is usually applied twice daily, at least eight hours apart, or as
directed by your doctor. Wash your hands before and after each application.
Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa to the affected areas of the face,
avoiding the eyes, nostrils, mouth, open sores, or irritated skin,
and rub it in thoroughly. Wait several minutes before applying cosmetics
or sunscreens. Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
discontinue use prematurely, 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.
Possible
Side Effects
Possible
side effects of Vaniqa include temporary redness, rash, burning,
stinging, tingling, or the appearance of hair bumps. If any of these
conditions continues or worsens, call your doctor. If skin irritation
develops, reduce the application to once daily. If irritation continues,
stop treatments and contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or concerns you.
Precautions
Do not take Vaniqa if you have had an allergic reaction to it in
the past. Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, mouth, open sores or
irritated skin. For external use only. Talk to your doctor if you
are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
Drug
Interactions
Talk
to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products, especially if you are using
any other topical treatments. Drugs other than those listed here
may also interact with Vaniqa.
Missed
Dose
If
you miss a treatment of this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not allow this medication
to freeze. Store this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Hair growth is slowed where Vaniqa is applied but this medication
does not permanently remove hair. Hair growth may return to pretreatment
levels approximately 8 weeks after discontinuation of treatment.
If improvement is not seen after 6 months of regular treatments,
discontinue use. Do not share Vaniqa with others for whom it was
not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not effectively
treated by this drug.
|
