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.
