How Does Eflornithine Cream Work? Proper Use and Effectiveness

Eflornithine Hydrochloride cream, also known by its brand name ‘Vaniqa cream’, is commonly used to treat hirsutism in women. Hirsutism is male pattern facial hair growth in women. Understanding the proper use of Vaniqa cream (eflornithine hydrochloride cream) is necessary to achieve the best results with the treatment.

Here is a comprehensive guide that will explain Vaniqa cream/eflornithine hydrochloride cream, how eflornithine cream works, eflornithine cream uses, eflornithine cream how to use, eflornithine cream price, eflornithine cream reviews, and eflornithine cream for facial hair.

Understanding Eflornithine Hydrochloride Cream (Vaniqa Cream)

Hirsutism, or facial hair growth in women, affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age. This condition, while often viewed as merely cosmetic, can affect self-esteem and confidence.

Eflornithine hydrochloride cream is an effective treatment for facial hair in women. It slows down facial hair growth, making the hair finer and less noticeable. However, it does not remove existing hair, so other hair removal methods may still be needed.

Eflornithine Cream Uses

Vaniqa cream or eflornithine cream uses are:

• Eflornithine cream for facial hair

Vaniqa cream is primarily used to treat facial hair (hirsutism) in women. It works by slowing down the growth of new hair. However, it does not remove existing hair.

• Eflornithine cream for hirsutism in other areas

Eflornithine cream can also reduce hair growth in areas other than the face. However, using the cream on other body areas may increase the blood levels of the drug, raising the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, it is only approved for use on the face and the area under the chin.

Eflornithine Cream How to Use

Proper application of Vaniqa cream (eflornithine cream) is essential for achieving the best results from your treatment. Here is a step-by-step guide on eflornithine cream how to use for facial hair:

• Wash your hands – Before applying the cream, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent dirt and bacteria from causing skin irritation and infection.
• Clean your face – Wash the face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
• Take some cream – Squeeze a small amount of eflornithine cream on your fingertips.
• Apply on the face – Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected areas of your face and the adjacent involved areas under the chin.
• Gentle massage – Gently massage and rub it thoroughly until the cream is fully absorbed into the skin.
• Wash your hands – Wash your hands again after applying the cream to remove any residue.
• Wait for 4 hours – Wait for at least 4 hours before washing the treated area.
• Use other methods – Also use other hair removal techniques (shaving, waxing, tweezing) in conjunction with Vaniqa cream.
• Use regularly – Using the cream twice daily at least 8 hours apart (once in the morning and once in the evening) is recommended. Use it for 4 to 8 weeks. Consistency is the key to optimal results.

Eflornithine Cream Side Effects

The use of eflornithine cream for facial hair may cause side effects in some people Understanding these side effects is essential for the safe use of this cream. The side effects that can occur with eflornithine cream include:

• Acne
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps)
• Stinging or burning skin
• Headache
• Dryness
• Itching
• Redness
• Tingling of the skin
• Indigestion
• Irritation
• Rash
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Dizziness
• Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles)
• Ingrown hair
• Facial swelling (edema)
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Vertigo
• Chapped lips (cheilitis)
• Bleeding
• Contact dermatitis
• Swollen lips
• Cold sores (herpes simplex)
• Numbness
• Rosacea

However, these side effects occur in less than 1% of users and are usually mild.

Eflornithine Cream Reviews

Eflornithine cream reviews mention its effectiveness and safety. The reviewers state that they observed a reduction in facial hair growth within one month after starting the treatment. The hair became less dense and less apparent. However, the reviewers state experiencing mild stinging or burning sensation after applying the eflornithine cream. The reviewers also mention that the eflornithine cream is a somewhat expensive treatment.

Eflornithine Cream Prices

The eflornithine cream price can vary depending on factors such as the brand, dosage, and location of purchase. On average, the cost of eflornithine cream is about $99 but can range from $120 to $250.

• Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider to see if eflornithine cream is covered under your plan. Many insurance plans provide coverage for dermatological creams, which can help reduce the cost.
• Pharmacy Options: Prices may vary between pharmacies. It is beneficial to compare prices at different pharmacies or check for available discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How Does Eflornithine Cream Work

What does eflornithine cream do?

Vaniqa cream or eflornithine cream is commonly used for unwanted facial growth in women. It slows the growth of hair follicles causing a decrease in hair density and length of the hair. The hair becomes less apparent and thus less bothersome.

What is the mechanism of action of eflornithine cream?

Eflornithine reversibly inhibits the ornithine decarboxylase enzyme which converts ornithine into putrescine. Putrescine regulates the growth of hair follicles. Thus eflornithine decreases putrescine production leading to the slowing of hair follicle growth.

How effective is eflornithine?

Eflornithine cream is very effective in treating unwanted facial hair in women. When used alone, it shows improvement in about two-thirds of patients. This percentage increases even more when eflornithine cream is combined with other treatments, such as laser therapy.

What are the benefits of eflornithine hydrochloride?

Eflornithine hydrochloride is very effective in reducing unwanted facial hair. It is also safer and more affordable than other treatment options available for hirsutism. Other treatment options like oral contraceptives, spironolactone and anti-diabetic drugs are associated with unwanted side effects including liver damage, harm to the fetus in pregnant women, and weight gain which is why it is often a preferable treatment.

References:

1. Balfour, J. A., & McClellan, K. (2001). Topical eflornithine. American journal of clinical dermatology, 2(3), 197–202. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200102030-00009
2. Wolf Jr, J. E., Shander, D., Huber, F., Jackson, J., Lin, C. S., Mathes, B. M., … & Eflornithine HCl Study Group. (2007). Randomized, double‐blind clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of topical eflornithine HCl 13.9% cream in the treatment of women with facial hair. International journal of dermatology, 46(1), 94-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.03079.x
3. Jobanputra, K. S., Rajpal, A. V., & Nagpur, N. G. (2007). Eflornithine. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 73, 365. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.35752
4. Hoffmann R. (2008). A 4-month, open-label study evaluating the efficacy of eflornithine 11.5% cream in the treatment of unwanted facial hair in women using TrichoScan. European journal of dermatology: EJD, 18(1), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2008.0313
5. Kumar, A., Naguib, Y. W., Shi, Y. C., & Cui, Z. (2016). A method to improve the efficacy of topical eflornithine hydrochloride cream. Drug delivery, 23(5), 1495–1501. https://doi.org/10.3109/10717544.2014.951746
6. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2000/21145lbl.pdf

Post by:

 Dr.Marcella Jiovanni

Health and Beauty Expert

“Marcella Jiovanni actively promotes the importance of maintaining healthy skin, she envisions the future of dermatology as moving away from pure medical, pharmacological dermatology and flowing more toward a holistic approach to wellness and skincare.”