Vaniqa Cream - Prescription Hair Removal

Vaniqa Cream is used to slow down the growth of unwanted hair on the face and under the chin in women. It blocks a certain enzyme that is needed for hair growth in the skin. This effect slows hair growth and may also make the hair finer and lighter. It does not remove hair or cause the hair to fall out.

What is Vaniqa used for?

Vaniqa is a prescription cream used to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It is primarily used for conditions like facial hirsutism, where there is excessive hair growth on the face.

How does Vaniqa work?

Vaniqa contains eflornithine, which inhibits an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase within hair follicles. This enzyme is essential for hair growth, so by blocking it, Vaniqa slows down the rate of hair growth, making the hair finer and lighter over time.

How should I apply Vaniqa?

Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa to the affected areas of your face twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. Ensure the skin is clean and dry before application. Avoid washing the treated area for at least 4 hours after applying the cream. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying makeup or sunscreen.

What are the common side effects of Vaniqa?

Common side effects include acne, dry skin, hair loss, itching, redness, and skin irritation. These are usually mild and resolve without discontinuing the treatment. If irritation persists, reduce application to once daily and consult your doctor if necessary.

How long does it take for Vaniqa to work?

You may start to see an improvement in your facial hair within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. However, it is important to continue using the cream as directed by your doctor to maintain these results.

What should I do if I experience skin irritation with Vaniqa?

If you experience skin irritation, such as stinging or burning, reduce the application to once daily until the irritation subsides. If the irritation persists, discontinue use and consult your doctor. Applying the cream less frequently initially may help your skin adjust to the treatment.

Can I use Vaniqa in conjunction with other hair removal methods?

Yes, Vaniqa can be used alongside other hair removal methods such as shaving, plucking, or waxing. However, wait at least 5 minutes after hair removal before applying Vaniqa to avoid irritation. Vaniqa works by slowing hair growth, making hair removal sessions less frequent over time.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Vaniqa: 

• - tell a healthcare professional of any other medical problems you may be experiencing (especially related to your kidneys or liver).
• - if you are unsure whether or not to use this medicine contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Excessive growth of hair may be a result of underlying diseases. Talk to your prescriber if you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or specific hormone-producing tumours, or if you take medicines that can induce hair growth, e.g. cyclosporine (following organ transplants), glucocorticoids (e.g. against rheumatic or allergic diseases), minoxidil (against high blood pressure), phenobarbitone (against seizures), phenytoin (against seizures) or hormone replacement therapy with male hormone-like effects.

Always use this medicine exactly as your prescriber has told you:

• - Use twice a day, at least 8 hours apart.
• - If you experience irritation (e.g. stinging burning), reduce the use of Vaniqa to once daily until the irritation has gone. If it persists contact a healthcare professional.
• - If you have just shaved or used any other hair removal method, wait at least 5 minutes before using Vaniqa. It may sting or burn if you put this cream on broken or irritated skin.
• - Clean and dry the areas of the skin where you will be using the cream.
• - Apply a thin layer of cream and rub it in thoroughly until no visual residual product remains on the treated areas.
• - If possible, do not wash these areas of skin for 4 hours after applying the cream
• - Wash your hands after applying the cream.
• - Wait at least 5 minutes before using make-up or sunscreen on the same areas.
• - When using on the face, avoid contact with your eyes or the inside of your nose or mouth. If you should accidentally get Vaniqa into your eyes, mouth or nose, rinse well with water.

Each gram of cream contains 47.2 mg of cetostearyl alcohol, 14.2 mg of stearyl alcohol, 0.8 mg of methyl parahydroxybenzoate and 0.32mg of propyl parahydroxybenzoate.

Very common:

• - acne

Common:

• - 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:

• - bumpy rash (papular rash)
• - cold sores
• - redness and irritation at the site where the cream is applied
• - eczema
• - inflammed, dry, cracked or numb lips
• - ingrowing hairs
• - pale areas on the skin