Vaniqa 11.5% Cream

What is Vaniqa Cream?

Vaniqa is a hair reduction cream used by women with excessive hair growth, specifically unwanted facial hair, due to certain medical conditions. Usually, Vaniqa is used to target facial hair growth on the upper lip, chin and neck.

Containing the active ingredient eflornithine, Vaniqa works to slow hair growth by inhibiting an enzyme which hair follicles use to help grow hair. Importantly, this does not halt hair growth but slows it down and other methods may need to be used alongside this treatment.

The product is licensed for use on the face and under the chin and should be applied such that one 60g tube lasts a minimum of eight weeks. As it is a prescription only cream, you will need to discuss your symptoms of excessive facial hair growth with a prescriber, who can assess if the cream can be safely prescribed and supplied.

How Does Vaniqa Cream Work for Unwanted Facial Hair?

Eflornithine works by blocking an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase, which is present in hair follicles. This enzyme plays an important role in hair growth by speeding up certain chemical reactions in the body.

By binding to this enzyme, eflornithine disables it, slowing down new hair growth - though it doesn't stop it entirely. For this reason, some patients may also need to use any other hair removal method alongside the cream, such as shaving or plucking. (Ensure to leave 5 minutes between shaving and applying the cream)

Since hair production is a gradual process, it may take up to eight weeks to see a noticeable effect when using Vaniqa, and more significant results may take longer. If there's no noticeable effect after four months of consistent use, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider for other hair removal methods.

Who Can Benefit from Vaniqa Cream?

Currently, Vaniqa is licensed to reduce hair growth in women aged 18 and over. It must only be used on the face and under the chin. It's not suitable for use in other areas of the body, for men, or for teenagers/girls younger than 18. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Vaniqa.

Excess facial hair in women is known as hirsutism and can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common is polycystic ovary syndrome. Dark or excessive amounts of facial hair can be a sign of other medical conditions or a side effect of medications you're taking. Make sure to discuss all the symptoms you're experiencing with a doctor, as they'll be able to advise you on the best course of treatment.

How to Use Vaniqa Cream as a Facial Hair Removal Treatment

For best results, apply a thin layer of Vaniqa cream to affected areas twice a day, keeping at least 8 hours between applications. Before applying, your skin should be clean and dry.

Ensure to thoroughly rub the cream into the skin until it has disappeared. Wait for at least 5 minutes before applying makeup or other cosmetics on top and try not to wash the treated areas for at least four hours after application. Ensure you wash your hands before and after use.

Only use the cream as advised, as overapplication can lead to skin irritation. Clinical trials confirm maximum safe use should not exceed 30g per month.

If you notice irritated skin upon application, reduce frequency to once daily. If irritation persists, speak to a healthcare professional.

Remember, Vaniqa isn't a depilatory cream - it won't remove existing hair, and most women use a different hair removal method alongside Vaniqa.

Precautions and Safety Measures

It's important to use Vaniqa cream safely to reduce the chances of side effects and allow the cream to work as effectively as possible.

Vaniqa Dos and Don'ts

Dos

When using Vaniqa, you should:

• Apply a thin layer.

• Only apply the cream to your face/neck/chin.

• Reduce application if skin becomes irritated.

• Wait 5 minutes after use before applying make-up or sun cream.

Don'ts

Make sure not to use Vaniqa:

• Right after shaving/waxing/threading/using hair removal cream.

• If you're allergic to any of the ingredients.

• More than twice a day.

• If you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Avoid contact with your nose, eyes or mouth. If contact occurs, rinse well with water. If irritation ensues, seek medical attention

The patient information leaflet contains further information on how to use the medication safely.

Side Effects of Vaniqa Cream

List of common side effects and their management

Like all medicines, Vaniqa can cause side effects. The most common is acne, affecting 1 in 10 women. Other common side effects include:

• Hair loss

• Dry skin

• Red or irritated skin

• Stinging, burning, or a tingling sensation

• Hair follicle inflammation.

Most side effects are mild and resolve over time, especially if you reduce application frequency.

In cases of more severe side effects such as skin soreness/bleeding, boils rashes and skin neoplasm (an abnormal type of skin) always seek medical advice from your doctor.

Very rarely, women using Vaniqa may experience allergic reactions. This may be just a rash, but may also include facial swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulty or a loss of consciousness. This constitutes a medical emergency and you should call 999 immediately.

Comparing Vaniqa with Other Facial Hair Removal Methods

Applying Vaniqa cream doesn't get rid of current facial hair, but reduces new growth. This is different to many other techniques used in managing excess hair which may actually get rid of hair that's already present.

Hair removal creams, shaving, plucking, threading and waxing all get rid of unwanted hair, but don't affect hair regrowth. Bleaching makes hair appear lighter and less noticeable but doesn't involve removing any hair.

Vaniqa is a long lasting solution as it directly impacts hair growth whilst it is being used.

Laser treatment is another option that, like eflornithine, helps reduce hair regrowth but does not remove existing hair. For this reason, its typically used in combination with other hair removal techniques. However, laser hair removal can be costly, may cause discomfort, and tends to be less effective on darker skin tones. Additionally, it usually takes multiple sessions to achieve noticeable results.

Hair electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal solution. It uses a very fine needle to target the hair follicle with heat, killing it at the base and preventing hair regrowth. Electrolysis is a long, time-consuming process that can be painful and expensive (as it's not covered on the NHS). While some people find the process works for them, it can lead to scarring.

It's important to consider all treatment options, but many women opt for Vaniqa as it's more affordable, easily accessible and can be applied easily at home.

Where to Buy Vaniqa Cream in the UK

For a safe, convenient and reliable way to get your facial hair removal treatment, buy Vaniqa cream from Quick Meds. As a GPhC regulated UK pharmacy, you can trust that all medicines are genuine and sourced responsibly. All medicine is delivered quickly and securely to your door with discreet packaging for your privacy.

Quick Meds provides access to trained pharmacists who can answer any questions you may have, ensuring Vaniqa cream is right for you. Remember, the cream is a prescription medication - a prescriber must assess eligibility and suitability before your order can be approved.

Conclusion: Is Vaniqa Cream Right for You?

If you're looking for a way to reduce unwanted hair growth on your face rather than just remove it, Vaniqa could be an effective treatment for you. Speak to your doctor or the team at Quick Meds for professional advice before purchasing the cream and getting started.