Information About Vaniqa

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.