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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
EFLORNITHINE - TOPICAL (eh-FLOOR-nith-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vaniqa
USES: This
medication is used to slow down the growth of unwanted
facial hair in women. It interferes with an enzyme
needed in the skin for hair growth but does not remove
hair. This drug is not for use in children under the
age of 12 years.
HOW TO USE: Apply
a thin layer of this medication, at least 5 minutes
after hair removal (e.g., plucking, shaving), to the
affected areas of the face and chin. It is usually
applied twice daily at least 8 hours apart, or as
directed by your doctor. Do not wash the treated area
for at least 4 hours. Cosmetics or sunscreens may
be applied over the treated areas after the medication
has dried. Continue to use hair removal techniques
(e.g., shaving, plucking) while using this medication.
Avoid getting this drug in your eyes or inside your
nose or mouth. If this drug gets in your eyes, rinse
thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Rash, burning, stinging, tingling, or redness of the
skin, or "hair bumps" (folliculitis) may
occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify
your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop
any of these serious side effects: bleeding skin,
swelling of the face or lips. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including:
allergies, broken skin, sores on the face. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It
is not known whether this drug passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription
and nonprescription medication you may use, especially
of: other facial or skin products. Do not start or
stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
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.
NOTES: Do
not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If
you miss or forget a dose, do not make it up. Instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at controlled room temperature (77 degrees F
or 25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86
degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not
freeze. |
