Vaniqa 11.5% Cream

What is Vaniqa and what is it used for?

Vaniqa Cream is a medication used to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. Specifically, it can be used to treat excessive hair growth on the upper lip, chin, and neck areas. Before using Vaniqa, it is recommended that you have a medical examination with your doctor to rule out any underlying causes of your excessive hair growth.

It is important to note that Vaniqa is not a permanent hair removal cream. However, many users have reported highly positive Vaniqa results and strongly recommend this treatment.

How does Vaniqa Cream remove facial hair?

Vaniqa Cream works by targeting the enzymes responsible for hair growth that are located inside the hair follicle. The active ingredient in Vaniqa, eflornithine, blocks these enzymes, slowing down the production of new hair.

Over time, this reduction in hair production leads to smaller and less noticeable hairs and, in some cases, can even stop hair growth altogether.

It is important to keep in mind that, like all hair removal treatments, Vaniqa does not eliminate hair or permanently prevent it from growing back. However, with regular use, this highly effective topical treatment can significantly slow down hair production, resulting in a noticeable reduction of facial hair.

Does Vaniqa work on coarse hair?

Yes, Vaniqa can be effective on coarse hair if it is present on the face, such as on the upper lip or chin. Although it does not permanently remove hair or prevent it from growing, regular use of Vaniqa can significantly slow down hair production, resulting in a reduction of coarse hair over time. In some cases, hair growth may even stop altogether.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of Vaniqa may vary depending on individual factors such as hair thickness and growth patterns.

How long does Vaniqa take to work?

The effectiveness of Vaniqa Cream can vary from person to person, but most users will begin to see positive results within four to eight weeks of consistent and regular use. In some cases, users may notice a change in hair growth as soon as one week after starting treatment, while for others it may take longer.

It is important to use Vaniqa consistently and regularly during the initial stages of treatment to allow it to work effectively. It is recommended that you continue using the cream for at least four months before considering switching to an alternative treatment. If you do not see any improvement in hair growth within this timeframe, it is advised to stop using Vaniqa and seek advice from your GP or pharmacist on alternative options.

Vaniqa alternatives

There are a few non-prescription alternatives for facial hair removal. These include:

• Shaving
• Waxing
• Plucking
• Bleaching
• Threading
• Laser and electrolysis treatments (these should only be carried out by trained and registered professionals)

Your GP may also suggest:

• Losing excess weight (this can help to control hormone levels, which can affect unwanted hair growth).
• Taking a contraceptive pill to help control hormone levels.

If Vaniqa hair removal cream and the above Vaniqa alternatives do not work for you, your GP may refer you to a specialist for further advice and treatment.

How to use Vaniqa Cream

Here’s a quick overview of how to use Vaniqa Cream:

• Start by washing and drying the area where you want to apply Vaniqa.
• Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and rub it in well.
• Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours after applying the cream.
• You can apply makeup or sunscreen over the treated area once the cream has dried.
• Use Vaniqa Cream twice a day, at least 8 hours apart, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Continue to use your regular hair removal method while using Vaniqa.
• If you experience any stinging, burning, or skin irritation, reduce the frequency of Vaniqa Cream applications to once daily.
• If skin irritation persists, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Remember, it may take up to 4-8 weeks of regular use to see noticeable results with Vaniqa Cream. If you have any questions or concerns about using this medication, please do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

For detailed instructions on how to use Vaniqa, please refer to the enclosed Patient Information Leaflet.

How long should I use Vaniqa cream?

To see a noticeable difference in your condition, it's important to use Vaniqa Cream consistently. You should apply the cream twice a day, at least 8 hours apart, for optimal results. Typically, you should see some improvement in your condition within 4 to 8 weeks of regular use. However, some patients may notice positive results within the first week of treatment.

Remember, Vaniqa Cream is not a permanent solution for unwanted hair. You should continue to use your regular hair removal method while using Vaniqa to maintain the results.

It's also important to note that in some cases it may take up to 8 weeks to see the full benefits of Vaniqa. If you don't see any improvement after regular use for four months, please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.

Can Vaniqa be used on body hair?

Vaniqa Cream has only been clinically tested for use on the face and neck, and it is not recommended for use on other areas of the body. The effectiveness and safety of Vaniqa for hair removal on other parts of the body have not been studied.

Vaniqa ingredients

The active substance in Vaniqa Cream is eflornithine.

Each gram of cream contains 115 mg of eflornithine (as hydrochloride monohydrate).

The other ingredients are: cetostearyl alcohol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, dimeticone, glyceryl stearate, macrogol stearate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), liquid paraffin, phenoxyethanol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), purified water and stearyl alcohol. Tiny amounts of sodium hydroxide (E524) are sometimes added to keep acidity levels (pH levels) normal.

Vaniqa side effects

While the vast majority of patients report a positive experience while using Vaniqa, side effects are still a possibility.

The most common side effect is acne, which affects around 1 in 10 people who use Vaniqa. Other potential side effects include:

• Skin reactions from in-growing hair
• Hair loss
• A burning, stinging or tingling feeling
• Dry skin
• Itching
• Redness
• Rash

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects — you can find a full list of them in the Patient Information Leaflet. If you’re concerned about any potential side effects while using Vaniqa, stop using the medication and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Some patients can also develop skin intolerance to Vaniqa, even after months of treatment. If this occurs, reduce applications to once a day and then slowly increase back up to twice a day. If intolerance continues, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.

Vaniqa warnings

When taking Vaniqa, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's essential to note that Vaniqa is not a hair removal cream, nor does it provide permanent removal of unwanted facial hair. Rather, it works by reducing the growth of facial hair over time, making it less noticeable and easier to manage. For best results, consistent and continuous use of Vaniqa is necessary.

Additionally, it's worth noting that excessive facial hair growth in women can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Before beginning any treatment for this issue, it's recommended to undergo a thorough medical examination with a doctor to rule out any underlying causes that may need to be addressed.

Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormone-producing tumours, as well as taking certain medications such as cyclosporine, steroids, minoxidil, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, or male hormones can contribute to excessive hair growth. Be sure to read the enclosed Patient Information Leaflet and consult with your doctor for more information on Vaniqa.

Is Vaniqa safe during pregnancy?

The potential risk of eflornithine use during pregnancy is still unknown, and therefore it is recommended that you do not use Vaniqa if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Vaniqa is also not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Instead, it’s best to seek other hair removal techniques, such as tweezing, waxing, or shaving.

Do I need a prescription to purchase Vaniqa?

Yes, a prescription is required to buy Vaniqa Cream. However, you can purchase Vaniqa online from The Independent Pharmacy following a short online assessment.

How often should I use Vaniqa?

Vaniqa should be applied twice daily on the affected area of the face.

Can I shave or pluck hair while using Vaniqa cream?

Yes, you can. However, it's recommended that you apply the cream after hair removal and wait for at least five minutes before applying it to prevent stinging.

Can I buy Vaniqa over the counter?

No, Vaniqa is currently only available via prescription in the UK, which means you cannot purchase it from a local pharmacy. However, it can be bought online on completion of a quick but thorough consultation.

Can I wear makeup while using Vaniqa cream?

Yes, simply apply the cream, wait for five minutes, and then continue with your makeup routine as usual.

Are there other options available for treating female facial hair?

Yes, there are other options available, such as hair removal creams, laser treatments, and the use of the contraceptive pill if you are premenopausal. We recommend discussing these options with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best course of action for you.