What is Vaniqa?
Vaniqa® is a prescription cream with the active ingredient Eflornithin (11.5 %), which is used for the treatment of excessive facial hair (hirsutism) in women. It slows hair growth, but does not remove existing hair.
Hirsutism affects 5–15 % of all women and can be caused by hormonal disorders (e.g. PCOS), drugs or genetic predisposition. Vaniqa® is used in addition to mechanical hair removal methods (razing, waxing, laser).
Eflornithine was originally developed as an anti-parasis agent against sleep disease. The hair growth-inhibiting effect was discovered as a random side effect.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Eflornithin (11,5 % Creme)
Active mechanism:
- Eflornithine irreversibly inhibits ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in the skin
- ODC is a key enzyme for polyamine synthesis
- Polyamines are essential for cell division and hair growth
- The inhibition slows hair growth
Clinical effect:
- Slowing hair growth in treated area
- Hair becomes thinner and brighter
- Visible only after 4-8 weeks of regular application
- In case of settling: Return to original hair growth within 8 weeks
Important: Vaniqa® does not remove hair. It only slows down the growth. Existing hair must continue to be removed mechanically.
Who is it suitable for?
Vaniqa® is suitable for:
- Women aged 18 with milletutism (excessive facial hair)
- As a supplement to hair removal methods
- Regardless of the cause of milletutism
Advantages:
- Simple local application
- Hormone-free treatment
- Can be combined with all hair removal methods
- Good safety profile
Not suitable:
- Children under 12 years
- For men (not approved)
- To other body regions (only allowed for the face)
- Pregnancy (inappropriate data)
Available Dosages
Dosing:
- Apply thin to the affected areas twice a day
- At least 8 hours distance between applications
- Assessment of treatment success after 4-8 weeks
- In case of efficacy: continuous therapy necessary (effect only on continued use)
Application quantity:
- In each case a large quantity of inherited per affected area
- Apply only to face and adjacent chin areas
How to Take
Application: 1. Clean face and dry Two. Apply thin layer Vaniqa® to affected areas 3. Gently rub until the cream is drawn in 4. Allow to dry at least 5 minutes before applying sunscreen or makeup Five. Wash hands
Important notes:
- Not for damaged, irritated or freshly shaved skin (at least 5 minutes waiting for shaving)
- Not in the eyes or on mucous membranes
- Remove hair with the desired method
- No improvement after 4 months: Rethink therapy
- After settling, hair growth returns within 8 weeks
Contraindications
**Vaniqa® must not be used at:* *
- hypersensitivity to eflornithine or any other constituent
- Children under 12 years
Preview at:
- Pregnancy (no sufficient data)
- Still time (not recommended)
- Acne or other skin diseases on the face
Possible Side Effects
Family (1–10 %):
- Acne-like skin changes
- Burning, stealing at the job site
- Skin dryness
- Itching
- Roasting (erythem)
- Crawling, numbness
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- Skin rash
- Folliculitis (hair infection)
- Ingrown hair
- Skin swelling
Selten:
- Contact dermatitis
- Rosazea-like dermatitis
** Most side effects are mild and temporary. With severe skin irritation, the application can be reduced or paused once a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vaniqa right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.

