Vaniqa cream (Eflornithine)

Vaniqa is a prescription cream that is applied to the areas of skin affected by excess facial hair. It is a hair removal treatment that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair by slowing down hair regrowth.

Eflornithine, the active ingredient in Vaniqa, was first used to treat African sleeping sickness, a disease caused by parasites. Scientists then discovered that it could also reduce hair growth. As a result, it was made into a cream to help women reduce unwanted facial hair and was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2001.

Excess facial hair growth can be distressing however, Vaniqa provides a longer-lasting solution to the problem.

Vaniqa contains the active ingredient Eflornithine hydrochloride. When Vaniqa is absorbed into the skin, it acts at the hair follicle and blocks the effect of a specific enzyme in the body that is involved in hair production. By disrupting the hair growth cycle, it reduces new hair growth, causing women to see visibly less and thinner hair being produced.

Although this medication reduces the rate at which hair grows, it does not permanently stop hair growth. This means that you can use other standard hair removal methods such as waxing or shaving, while using this cream.

When do I use it?

A thin layer of cream should be applied to the desired area of skin, twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. It can be applied once in the morning and once in the evening to help you remember.

How do I use it?

To use this cream effectively, follow the instructions below:

• Ensure your skin is clean and dry
• Rub in the cream thoroughly until it is fully absorbed and not visible
• If possible, avoid washing the areas of skin where you have applied the cream for 4 hours after application
• Wash your hands after applying the cream

How to use Vaniqa
	Ensure your skin is clean and dry
	Rub in the cream thoroughly until it is fully absorbed and not visible
	Avoid washing the areas of skin where you have applied the cream for 4 hours after application
	Wash your hands after applying the cream

If you experience skin irritation (e.g. stinging or burning), reduce use to once daily until it has resolved. If skin irritation continues, consult your doctor.

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Overusing the treatment may increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of how to use this treatment.

Research has proven that this treatment can decrease unwanted facial hair growth. Patients can notice improvements as early as 8 weeks after starting the treatment. However, individual results may vary.

How long do I use it for?

It is important to continue using this cream. If you do not see any improvement after using it correctly for 4 months, contact your doctor.

If you stop using it, your original hair growth may return within 8 weeks.

The recommended dosage of Vaniqa is to apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions and do not exceed the prescribed amount.

Vaniqa is only available in a dose of 11.5% in the UK. This is the dose we sell under a prescription here at euroClinix.

Vaniqa has many benefits, for example:

• It has been clinically tested and proven to treat excessive facial hair growth in women effectively.
• The cream is easy to apply on the skin
• It may be a cheaper alternative to other hair removal methods, such as laser hair removal or electrolysis

How effective is it?

In studies, 29% of women reported marked improvement when using Vaniqa compared to 9% using an alternative cream without the active ingredient. 6% of women reported clear or almost clear skin compared to 0% of those using the alternative cream.

When using this cream for facial hair removal it’s important to make some lifestyle changes. This will ensure the medicine is effective and reduce the chance of experiencing side effects.

• Ensure you use a mild, non-irritating cleanser and avoid harsh soaps and exfoliants that can irritate your skin.
• You can continue to use other hair removal methods, such as shaving, plucking or waxing when using Vaniqa. However, you must wait at least five minutes before using Vaniqa to avoid stinging or burning.
• You should also wait at least 5 minutes before applying make-up or sunscreen on the same areas. When applying this medicine to the face, avoid contact with your eyes, inside of your nose or mouth. If you get Vaniqa into your eyes, mouth or nose, rinse the area well with water.

It’s really important to apply a moisturiser regularly to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you experience dryness when using Vaniqa.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Who can use it?

Vaniqa is suitable for women over 18 years old, who have excess hair growth on their face (hirsutism) and have tried the hair removal methods without success.

Who cannot use it?

This cream may not be suitable for certain groups of people. Do not use this medicine if you are:

• Allergic to Eflornithine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• Younger than 18 years old
• Currently pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding (without first consulting your doctor)

Inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or concerns.

As with all prescription medications, Vaniqa may cause some side effects, although they are usually limited to the skin and mild. Side effects usually resolve by themselves with time without having to stop using the cream.

The most common side effects affect 1 to 10 users in 100 and may include:

Some less common side effects of this medicine may affect 1 to 10 users in 1000, these include:

In the unlikely event you notice any signs of allergic reaction including swelling around the face, lips, mouth tongue or throat, you should stop treatment and seek medical attention immediately.

This is not a complete list of all the possible side effects. For a full list, refer to the patient information leaflet.

Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This may include medicines you buy without a prescription, supplements or natural health products.

Talk to your doctor before using other medicines on the areas of your skin where you are using Vaniqa.

Please note that excessive hair growth can result from underlying medical conditions (e.g. polycystic ovary syndrome) or medications such as:

• Cyclosporin
• Glucocorticoids
• Minoxidil
• Seizure medicines (e.g. phenobarbitone, phenytoin)
• Combined oestrogen-androgen hormone replacement therapy

For more information, refer to the safety information table below:

Store this medicine at room temperature, do not store it above 25°C. Ensure the cap of the tube is tightly closed after using it.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date. Discard the opened tube after 6 months, even if there is cream left over. To properly discard medicines you no longer use, ensure to take them to your local pharmacy.

If Vaniqa is not suitable for you, there are many other hair removal techniques you can consider. These may include:

• hair removal creams (depilatory creams)
• waxing
• threading
• laser treatments
• some contraceptive pills (if you are pre-menopause)

No. Vaniqa is a prescription-only medication in the UK. This means you are unable to buy it from your local pharmacy without a prescription. A prescription ensures that a doctor has assessed your condition and determined that Vaniqa is suitable for you.

Ordering Vaniqa through euroClinix is simple and secure. Just follow these steps:

1. Start your confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. It takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.
2. A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
3. If approved, the doctor will issue a prescription.
4. Your medication will then be dispensed in discreet packaging from a licensed UK pharmacy, with next-day delivery and tracking information provided.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service to treat hirsutism.