Vaniqa Cream

What is Vaniqa Cream?

Vaniqa cream is a topical treatment used to reduce 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 an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase which is involved in the production of hair, slowing down hair growth. Vaniqa cream does not remove hair but slows its growth making facial hair lighter and finer.

How effective is Vaniqa Cream?

When used correctly, Vaniqa cream can effectively reduce the appearance of unwanted facial hair. Clinical trials of over 590 women over a period of 24 weeks, showed that 70% experienced an improvement in facial hair, with 35% describing their condition as “improved”, 29% as “markedly improved” and 6% as “clear or almost clear”. 

It is worth remembering that Vaniqa does not remove hair, instead it delays hair growth. This delay reduces the growth and subsequently, hair removal techniques may be required less frequently. You will need to continue to use Vaniqa for sustained results as hair growth will return to normal if you stop using it.

How long does it take for Vaniqa Cream to work?

The benefits of Vaniqa cream are seen in as little as 4 weeks, with most people seeing results within 8 weeks. If no results are seen within 6 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 as eflornithine hydrochloride.

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients in Vaniqa cream are ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, methylparaben, mineral oil, PEG-100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, stearyl alcohol and water.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this cream: hives/rash; trouble breathing; facial, lip, throat swelling; severe dizziness. Stop using the cream immediately and call your doctor right away if you have a severe irritation of treated skin; or redness or crusting around your hair follicles.

Vaniqa dosage

The recommended dosage of Vaniqa 11.5% cream is to apply a thin layer over the affected areas of the face twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. Rub the cream in thoroughly, until it has been absorbed and is no longer visible. You should avoid washing the area for at least 4 hours.

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 it into the skin until it is no longer visible. Wash your hand thoroughly, and wait at least 5 minutes for the cream to dry and be absorbed before applying makeup or sunscreen. 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
• Worsening of skin irritation and bumps caused by shaving
• 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

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

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.

Do not use Vaniqa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

This medication is not known to have any specific drug interactions. Before using Vaniqa cream, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any 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 is 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 that 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 at least five minutes for the cream to dry and be absorbed before applying makeup.

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 and you will need to use Vaniqua regularly to sustain its effects.

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.