Eflornithine cream

Apply a thin layer of eflornithine cream twice a day (eight hours apart). Rub the cream in well.

You can apply cosmetics over the cream, but wait for at least five minutes after applying the cream before you do so.

It can take about eight weeks of using the cream regularly before you see an improvement.

In this article:

• About eflornithine
• Before using eflornithine cream
• How to use eflornithine cream
• Getting the most from your treatment
• Can eflornithine cream cause problems?
• How to store eflornithine cream
• Important information about all medicines

About eflornithine

Some hormonal disorders in women can lead to the growth of thick or dark facial hair, called hirsutism. Hirsutism can also be a side-effect of taking some medicines. It occurs either as a result of an increased production of an androgenic hormone (such as the male sex hormone testosterone), or because the skin has become more sensitive to this type of hormone.

When applied to the skin, eflornithine works by blocking the action of an enzyme in hair follicles which is involved in the production of hair. It can be used alongside laser therapy, to help reduce the rate at which unwanted facial hair grows in women who have this problem.

Before using eflornithine cream

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using eflornithine cream it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or skin cream.

How to use eflornithine cream

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about eflornithine cream and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using it.

• If you have just used a hair remover or shaved, leave at least five minutes before you apply eflornithine cream. This will help to reduce any stinging or burning, which could otherwise occur.

• Apply eflornithine cream twice a day to the areas of your face or chin which are affected. You should leave at least eight hours between the two applications. You only need to apply a thin layer of cream and you should rub it in well (until you can no longer see any cream on your face). Try not to get any cream in or near your eyes or mouth, as it may cause irritation.

• After applying the cream, you should wash your hands to remove any cream left on your fingers but, if possible, do not wash your face during the following four hours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Eflornithine cream is not a depilatory cream. You may need to continue with your usual hair removal routines. Ways to remove unwanted hair include shaving, plucking, waxing, hair-removing creams, electrolysis, and laser treatments. Your doctor will advise you about which of these are suitable for you to use alongside eflornithine cream.

• If you want to apply make-up to the areas of skin that you've applied the cream to, you can do this, but please wait for at least five minutes after applying eflornithine cream before you do so.

• It is important that you use the cream regularly. It can take about eight weeks before you start to see the full benefit from using it. If after four months of using the cream there is little improvement, please discuss this with your doctor who will review your treatment.

• Eflornithine cream is not intended for use by men, or by girls under 18 years old.

Can eflornithine cream cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, medicated skin creams can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with eflornithine cream. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the cream. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the cream, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store eflornithine cream

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Any unused cream should be discarded six months after opening. It may be helpful to write the date you opened the cream on to the pharmacy label.

Important information about all medicines

Important information about all medicines

Eflornithine creamemergency department

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine

If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website.

Further reading and references

• Manufacturer's PIL, Vaniqa® 11.5% cream; Almirall Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Medicines Complete BNF 88th Edition; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

• Next review due: 24 Aug 2027
• 17 Aug 2024 | Latest version

  Last updated by

  Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

  Peer reviewed by

  Sid Dajani

Are you protected against flu?

See if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab today.

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker