How It Works

• Vaniqa is not a depilatory that chemically dissolves hair. It is a method to inhibit hair growth from the face once the hair is removed by shaving or plucking. The active ingredient in Vaniqa is eflornithine hydrochloride, which inhibits the enzyme that causes hair growth.
  
  

How to Use Vaniqa

• Vaniqa can be used on most areas of the face, except for around the eyes. Apply a thin layer of the cream to your face at least five minutes after hair removal and rubbed in. The treated area cannot be washed for four hours. Vaniqa is applied twice a day, at least eight hours apart, or as directed by your doctor. Makeup and other cosmetics can be applied after the cream dries. It takes between four to eight weeks of Vaniqa use to notice results.
  
  

Side Effects

• Clinical studies yielded no serious side effects due to use of Vaniqa. Aside from an allergic reaction (in which case the medication should be discontinued), potential side effects include temporary redness, stinging, burning, or tingling or rash on the areas of the skin where it is applied. Another possible side effect is hair bumps (folliculitis).
  
  

Warnings

• Vaniqa is not approved for use by men or by girls under age 12. Women who are pregnant, who plan to get pregnant or who are breast-feeding should talk with their doctor before using Vaniqa.
  
  

How Well Does It Work?

• A clinical evaluation submitted to the FDA yielded mixed results. A little more than half of the patients noted improvement in varying degrees, while the others noted no improvement. The study showed that women with white skin experienced better results than women with nonwhite skin. Post-menopausal women showed considerably better results than those who were not. Most women who use Vaniqa will not achieve a full reduction in hair reduction and must continue to shave or pluck the remaining hairs.