Vaniqa (Eflornithine) 11.5% Cream

Description

What is Vaniqa® (eflornithine 11.5% cream)?

 

 

Vaniqa® is a prescription-only cream containing eflornithine 11.5%, used to help reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women.

Vaniqa® is specifically designed for the treatment of facial hirsutism, a condition characterised by excessive or unwanted facial hair growth. It works by slowing the rate of hair growth, helping to reduce the frequency of hair removal and improve the appearance of affected areas over time.

At The Kingston Pharmacy, Vaniqa® is supplied as part of our clinician-led hair reduction service following a suitability assessment by our clinicians.

 

 

Available Strengths

 

 

Vaniqa® is available as:

• Eflornithine 11.5% cream

Treatment is applied directly to the affected areas of the face and under the chin.

Our clinicians will determine whether Vaniqa® is suitable for you and provide guidance on how to use it safely and effectively.

 

 

How Does Vaniqa® Work?

Vaniqa® contains eflornithine, which works by blocking an enzyme involved in hair growth within the hair follicle.

By slowing the rate at which hair grows, Vaniqa® can help reduce the appearance of unwanted facial hair over time. It does not permanently remove hair or prevent hair growth completely, but it may reduce the need for frequent hair removal methods such as shaving, plucking or waxing.

Vaniqa® is often used alongside existing hair removal methods as part of a comprehensive hair management routine.

 

 

Treatment may help to:

• Slow the growth of unwanted facial hair

• Reduce the frequency of hair removal

• Improve the appearance of facial hirsutism

• Support confidence and wellbeing

• Provide a non-invasive treatment option

Results vary between individuals, and continued treatment is usually required to maintain benefits.

 

 

Who May Be Suitable for Vaniqa®?

 

 

You may be suitable for treatment if you:

• Are aged 18 years or over

• Experience unwanted facial hair growth

• Are seeking a treatment to help reduce the rate of hair growth

• Have no contraindications to treatment

• Meet the prescribing criteria following clinical assessment

All patients must complete a clinical assessment before treatment can be prescribed.

 

 

How to Use Vaniqa®

Vaniqa® should be applied exactly as directed by your clinician.

The cream is usually applied twice daily to clean, dry skin on the affected areas of the face and under the chin, with applications spaced at least eight hours apart.

After application, the treated area should not be washed for at least four hours where possible.

Hair removal methods such as shaving, plucking or waxing may still be used during treatment.

Always follow the instructions provided by your clinician and use the medication exactly as prescribed.

 

 

Potential Benefits

 

 

When prescribed appropriately, Vaniqa® may:

• Slow the growth of unwanted facial hair

• Reduce the need for frequent hair removal

• Improve the appearance of facial hirsutism

• Support confidence and self-esteem

• Provide a convenient topical treatment option

• Offer clinician-supervised treatment and monitoring

 

 

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Vaniqa® can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

 

 

Common side effects may include:

• Mild skin irritation

• Redness

• Stinging or burning sensations

• Rash

• Dry skin

• Acne

These effects are generally mild and often improve as your skin adjusts to treatment.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How long does Vaniqa® take to work?

Results vary between individuals, but many women begin to notice an improvement after 8 weeks of regular use. Continued treatment is usually required to maintain benefits.

 

 

Will Vaniqa® permanently remove hair?

No. Vaniqa® works by slowing hair growth and does not permanently remove hair. Hair growth typically returns to previous levels if treatment is discontinued.

 

 

Can I continue shaving or waxing while using Vaniqa®?

Yes. Vaniqa® can be used alongside your usual hair removal methods.

 

 

What happens if I miss an application?

Apply the cream as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next application. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.

 

 

Do I need a GP prescription?

No. Vaniqa® is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) but it doesn’t require an GP prescription. At the Kingston pharmacy it can be supplied following assessment by one of our clinicians.

 

 

Our Hair Reduction Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led hair reduction service designed to help women manage unwanted facial hair safely and effectively.

Before treatment can be prescribed, you will complete a confidential online consultation covering your:

• Medical history

• Current medications

• Areas affected by unwanted hair growth

• Previous treatments used

• Relevant medical conditions

• Treatment goals

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our qualified prescribing clinicians, who will assess whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If suitable, a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your individual needs.

 

 

Flexible Delivery and Collection Options

Once your prescription has been approved, you can choose the option that works best for you:

• Free in-store collection from The Kingston Pharmacy at a time convenient to you.

• Secure home delivery directly to your chosen address, ensuring your medication arrives safely and discreetly.

We aim to make accessing treatment as simple and convenient as possible.

You can contact us by telephone, email, or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

 

Important Information

Vaniqa® is not suitable for everyone and should only be used following an appropriate clinical assessment.

Vaniqa® is intended for the treatment of unwanted facial hair growth in women and should only be used on the areas recommended by your clinician.

Individual responses to treatment vary, and ongoing treatment is usually required to maintain results.

Always use medicines exactly as prescribed and read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.