Vaniqa 13.9% 15g cream (generic)

Vaniqa. 

Generic name: Eflornithine hcl

Commercial name: Eflora cream

VANIQA is a prescription medication approved by US FDA for reducing elevated growth of facial hair in women. Generic Vaniqa contains the same active ingredient as brand preparation, however it is not FDA approved because is not currently available on the US pharmaceutical market.

The active ingredient of the medication is eflornithine hydrochloride. The medication is available in the form of cream 13.9% 10g and is manufactured by Ajanta Pharma.

Indication:

Eflornithine hydrochloride cream is indicated for the lowering the unwanted facial hair in women. The effectiveness and safety of eflornithine has been studied only on the facial hair and areas under the skin. The application of this medication should be limited to these areas.  Eflornithine hcl cream can help women of all ethnicities and skin types.

Action mechanism:

It is considered that the medication acts on the hair follicle and helps to block the enzyme (ornithine decarboxylase) which is responsible hair growth cycle.  Ornithine decarboxylase participates on the metabolism of glutathione and amino acids. The medication is especially effective in women in post menopause.

Eflornithine cream should be applied to affected facial area or area under the chin. Apply a thin layer of the cream and rub it gently. Do not wash the place of application within 4 hours. The recommended frequency of application is twice daily. A patient can also use other hair removal techniques while using generic Vaniqa (it should be applied at least 5-10 minutes after any hair removal procedures). The medication is intended only for topical use. Do not use cream orally or other routes of administration. You should be aware that it usually takes quite a long times to see the first improvement. Usually the first positive effects occur in 8 weeks after beginning the application.

Contraindications, cautions and warnings:

Eflornithine cream is intended only for external use. Vaniqa cream is not a depilatory; it only helps to retard the unwanted facial hair growth. You should continue using other hair removal techniques.

The medication should not be used in known hypersensitivity or known allergic reactions to any of the ingredients.

The medication should not be applied to the infectious wounds and burns.  Make sure to consult your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Eflornithine is a pregnancy category C meaning that medication may cause side effects and damage to the fetus.

Side effects:

According to clinical trials Vaniqa is well tolerated. Eflornithine side effects are not common and side effects were observed in patients with hypersensitivity. The most common generic Vaniqa side effects were the followings:

• Redness
• Skin rash
• Burning
• Stinging
• Redness
• Hair bumps
• Acne
• Headache

Other reported Vaniqa side effects may include: dyspepsia, dry skin, alopecia, dizziness, folliculitis, facial edema, anorexia, nausea, asthenia, vertigo. In very rare cases (less than 1% of patients) the side effects were the followings: numbness, herpes, contact dermatitis, swelling of the lips, bleeding skin.  

Drug interaction:

Eflornithine cream should not be applied in combination with other topical products. Inform your doctor if you use prescription or non-prescription medication.

Storage:

Eflornithine hcl cream should be stored at dry and protected from light place at room temperature. Keep the medication out of reach of children. Do not keep  Vaniqa in the bathroom.