The following information is a summary about VANIQA. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.

Cream
Chemical Name: EFLORNITHINE (eh-FLOOR-neh-theen)

Common uses
This medicine is an enzyme inhibitor used topically to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It does not remove hair.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine, including any facial or skin creams, that you are taking. Inform you doctor of any other medical conditions, broken skin, sores on the face, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected areas of the face and under the chin, at least 5 minutes after hair removal (e.g., plucking, shaving). Rub in thoroughly. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours. Wait at least 8 hours between applications of this medicine. Cosmetics or sunscreens may be applied after the medicine has dried. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. DO NOT FREEZE. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply 2 doses at once.

Cautions
This medicine is not a dipilatory. You will need to continue your routine method of hair removal while using this medicine. You may not see improvement for the first month of use. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse, check with your doctor. This medicine is not for use in children under 12 years of age. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include stinging, burning, redness, tingling, rash of the skin; or hair bumps (folliculitis). If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bleeding skin, or swelling of the face or lips. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. 

If you take too much
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.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.