Vaniqa Cream

What is Vaniqa Cream?

Vaniqa cream is a topical treatment for excessive facial hair growth in women, also known as hirsutism. When applied to the face and under the chin, Vaniqa cream slows down the growth of unwanted hair.

How does Vaniqa Cream work?

Vaniqa cream contains the active ingredient eflornithine. Eflornithine blocks the action of a specific enzyme involved in the production of hair, slowing down hair growth. Vaniqa cream does not remove hair, but by slowing its growth it can make facial hair lighter and finer.

How effective is Vaniqa Cream?

When used correctly, Vaniqa cream can effectively reduce the appearance of unwanted facial hair. It is important to remember that Vaniqa cream will not remove hair, or prevent its growth completely, and must be used regularly for best results. 

How long does it take for Vaniqa Cream to work?

The benefits of Vaniqa cream are usually seen within 2 months. If no results are seen within 4 months of treatment, it may not be the best option for you and should be stopped.

How long does Vaniqa Cream work for?

Vaniqa cream does not have a permanent effect and will therefore only work for as long as you continue to use it as treatment. When you stop using Vaniqa cream, your rate of hair growth will return to normal within 8 weeks.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Vaniqa cream is eflornithine.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Vaniqa cream are cetostearyl alcohol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, dimeticone, glyceryl stearate, macrogol stearate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), liquid paraffin, phenoxyethanol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), purified water, and stearyl alcohol. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide (E524) are sometimes added to keep acidity levels normal.

Vaniqa dosage

The recommended dosage is to apply a thin layer of Vaniqa 11.5% cream over the affected area twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. 

How to use Vaniqa Cream

Always use Vaniqa cream as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist. Clean and dry the area of skin thoroughly before application, waiting at least 5 minutes after shaving or using another method of hair removal. Apply a thin layer of cream and gently rub into the skin until it is no longer visible on the skin. Wash your hand thoroughly, an wait at least 5 minutes for the cream to dry and be absorbed before applying makeup. If possible, do not wash the area of skin within 4 hours of applying Vaniqa cream. Repeat twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. If you experience irritation when applying the cream, you may wish to try applying it once daily until your skin has become accustomed to the treatment.

Vaniqa side effects

Like all medicines, Vaniqa cream can cause side effects in some patients. Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 users, include:

• Acne
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Inflammation around the hair shaft
• Itching
• Rash
• Redness
• Skin irritation and bumps caused by shaving
• Skin irritation
• Stinging, tingling or burning feeling on the skin

Uncommon side effects, which can affect up to 1 in 100 users, include:

• Bumpy rash
• Cold sores
• Redness or irritation at the site where the cream is applied
• Eczema
• Inflamed, dry, cracked or numb lips
• Ingrowing hairs
• Pale areas on the skin
• Skin bleeding
• Skin boils
• Skin flushing
• Skin inflammation
• Sore skin
• Swelling of the mouth or face
• Unusual hair texture or hair growth

Rare side effects (up to 1 in 1000 cases) include:

• Abnormal skin growth
• Excessive hair growth
• Flushing, facial redness and pimples with pus
• Other skin disorders
• Red, scaly and itchy skin inflammation
• Red, bumpy or blistering rash
• Skin cysts
• Skin tightness

Contraindications

Do NOT use Vaniqa if you are allergic to eflornithine or any of the other ingredients in this medication. Before using Vaniqa, tell your doctor if you are experiencing any other medical problems, in particular those directly related to your kidneys or liver.

Drug interactions

This medication has no specific drug interactions. Before using Vaniqa cream, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using an other medications, including those purchased over the counter without a prescription.

Vaniqa and pregnancy

Do NOT use Vaniqa cream if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor about alternative means of reducing excess facial hair.

Vaniqa Cream vs Electrolysis

There are several different treatment options available to women who struggle with excessive facial hair growth. While Vaniqa cream aims to slow the rate of hair growth over time, Electrolysis is a method of hair removal which involves removing individual hair follicles and destroying the growth centre of each hair. Unlike Vaniqa cream, electrolysis can have permanent effects, but often takes several sessions to be successful and can be expensive. If you are considering electrolysis, speak to your doctor about the costs, benefits and risks, and whether this is the right treatment for you.

Vaniqa vs over the counter hair removal treatments

Alongside Vaniqa, there are a range of over-the-counter products to help with excess facial hair in women. These are generally hair removal products, including creams and waxing products, as well as products which bleach unwanted hair to reduce its appearance. Choosing the right product for you is important, but can be difficult given the variety of choice. Speak to a pharmacist for advice on different products before trying each one.

Can I wear makeup when using Vaniqa Cream?

You can wear makeup when using Vaniqa cream, but you should wait for the cream to dry and be absorbed before applying makeup on top. 

Will Vaniqa have permanent effects?

Vaniqa cream does not have a permanent effect. Your rate of hair growth will return to normal within 8 weeks of stopping treatment.

Can you use Vaniqa on your bikini line?

Vaniqa cream should not be used on areas of the body other than the face and under the chin.

Can Vaniqa be used for other forms of hair removal?

Vaniqa cream does not remove hair or cause it to fall out, but slows the growth rate of hair in women. It should not be used for any other form of hair removal other than to reduce the appearance of excess hair on the face or under the chin.

Should I shave before using Vaniqa?

You can shave or use another hair removal method before applying Vaniqa cream if you wish. If you do so, wait at least 5 minutes after shaving before applying Vaniqa cream to avoid irritation.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Hirsutism
• DrugBank > Eflornithine
• WebMD > Vaniqa Cream