Vaniqa Directions For Use

Chemical Name: EFLORNITHINE (eh-FLOOR-neh-theen)

Vaniqa is an enzyme inhibitor used topically to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It does not remove hair.

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Vaniqa. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine, including any facial or skin creams, that you are taking. Inform you doctor of any other medical conditions, broken skin, sores on the face, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Follow the directions for using Vaniqa provided by your doctor. Vaniqa comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully.

Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa to the affected areas of the face and under the chin, at least 5 minutes after hair removal (e.g., plucking, shaving). Rub in thoroughly. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours. Wait at least 8 hours between applications of Vaniqa.

Cosmetics or sunscreens may be applied after the medicine has dried. If you miss a dose Vaniqa, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply 2 doses at once.

Vaniqa is not a depilatory. You will need to continue your routine method of hair removal while using Vaniqa. You may not see improvement for the first month of use. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse, check with your doctor.

Vaniqa is not for use in children under 12 years of age.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using vaniqa during pregnancy. It is unknown if vaniqa is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using vaniqa, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include stinging, burning, redness, tingling, rash of the skin; or hair bumps (folliculitis). If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding skin, or swelling of the face or lips. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Store Vaniqa at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze.