Female Facial Hair treatment Vaniqa Cream
What is Vaniqa Cream?
Vaniqa, available on prescription, is a specialised cream that effectively reduces facial hair growth from the follicles (hair roots), providing a lasting solution for unwanted facial hair. Clinical studies indicate that Vaniqa achieves a significant reduction in facial hair growth for 70% of women. Users of Vaniqa have reported feeling less troubled by facial hair and spend less time on removal, treatment, or concealment.
What is Vaniqa Cream used for?
Vaniqa cream is specifically designed to slow down the growth of unwanted facial hair in women, particularly addressing excessive hair growth on the upper lip, chin, and neck areas. It works by targeting the enzymes within the hair follicles responsible for hair growth. Vaniqa's active ingredient, eflornithine, inhibits these enzymes, thereby slowing down the generation of new hair.
Over time, this decreased hair production results in finer and less noticable hairs, and in some instances, it may even halt hair growth completely. It's crucial to understand that, similar to other hair removal treatments, Vaniqa does not eliminate hair or permanently prevent regrowth. Nevertheless, with consistent application, this highly efficient topical treatment significantly reduces facial hair by slowing down the production process.
Who can and cannot use medicines containing Vaniqa Cream?
You should not use Vaniqa if you are allergic to eflornithine or any of the other ingredients.
Prior to using Vaniqa, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have existing medical issues related to your kidneys or liver.
Excessive hair growth might be associated with underlying conditions; therefore, discuss your situation with your doctor if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormone-producing tumours, or if you are taking medications that can induce hair growth, such as cyclosporine, glucocorticoids, minoxidil, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, or hormone replacement therapy with male hormone-like effects.
Do not use Vaniqa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should use an alternative method to manage your facial hair if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
What form does Vaniqa come in?
Vaniqa cream contains the active substance eflornithine, with each gram of the cream containing 115 mg of eflornithine (as hydrochloride monohydrate). The cream is white to off-white in colour and is available in tubes of 15 g, 30 g, and 60 g, although not all sizes may be available in the UK.
Female facial hair medicines
Frequently asked questions
Using Vaniqa comes with a few important points to remember:
vaniqa isn't a depilatory cream, so you may still need to use your regular hair removal method, like shaving or plucking
it might take up to 8 weeks to notice results, so be patient and continue using the cream. If there's no improvement after 4 months, consult your doctor
stopping the use of Vaniqa could lead to the return of your original hair growth within 8 weeks
if you accidentally use too much cream, it's unlikely to cause harm to your skin
in case of accidental swallowing, contact your doctor immediately
if you forget to use Vaniqa, apply it as soon as you remember, but wait at least 8 hours before the next application
to maintain reduced hair growth, use Vaniqa continuously as directed
Like all medications, Vaniqua may lead to side effects, although most people do not experience any. Typically, these side effects are confined to the skin and are mild in their intensity. In such instances, they commonly resolve without the need to discontinue Vaniqa.
The most common side effects:
acne
Common side effects include:
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 include:
bumpy rash (papular rash)
cold sores
redness and 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 include:
abnormal skin growth (skin neoplasm)
excessive hair growth
flushing, facial redness, and pimples possibly with pus
other skin disorders
red, scaly, and itchy skin inflammation (seborrheic dermatitis)
red, bumpy, or blistering rash
skin cysts
skin tightness
Always read the patient information leaflet for Vanquia before using it.