Generic name:eflornithine (topical route) [ ef-LOR-ni-theen ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous topical agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 20, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Vaniqa
Available Dosage Forms:
- Cream
Therapeutic Class: Hair Growth Retardant
Pharmacologic Class: Ornithine Decarboxylase Inhibitor
Uses for Vaniqa
Eflornithine is used to slow down bodily substances called enzymes that help hair grow. The effect is slower facial hair growth.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Vaniqa
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
There is no specific information comparing use of eflornithine in children under the age of 12 years with use in other age groups. However, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older children than it does in adults.
Geriatric
This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
