Vaniqa DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
EFLORNITHINE - TOPICAL (eh-FLOOR-nith-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vaniqa
USES: This
medication is used to slow down the growth of unwanted facial hair
in women. It interferes with an enzyme needed in the skin for hair
growth but does not remove hair. This drug is not for use in children
under the age of 12 years.
HOW TO USE: Apply
a thin layer of this medication, at least 5 minutes after hair removal
(e.g., plucking, shaving), to the affected areas of the face and
chin. It is usually applied twice daily at least 8 hours apart,
or as directed by your doctor. Do not wash the treated area for
at least 4 hours. Cosmetics or sunscreens may be applied over the
treated areas after the medication has dried. Continue to use hair
removal techniques (e.g., shaving, plucking) while using this medication.
Avoid getting this drug in your eyes or inside your nose or mouth.
If this drug gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and
contact your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Rash, burning, stinging, tingling, or redness of the skin, or "hair
bumps" (folliculitis) may occur. If these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you
develop any of these serious side effects: bleeding skin, swelling
of the face or lips. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, broken
skin, sores on the face. This medication should be used only when
clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into
breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell
your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you
may use, especially of: other facial or skin products. Do not start
or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
Symptoms following ingestion may include hair loss, facial swelling,
seizures, hearing loss, upset stomach, loss of appetite, headache,
weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: Do
not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If
you miss or forget a dose, do not make it up. Instead, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at controlled room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees
C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees
C) is permitted. Do not freeze.
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