Eflornithine

Key points

• Eflornithine cream slows the rate at which new hair grows; it does not remove hair that is already there, so it works alongside shaving or other hair-removal methods.
• Vaniqa is the brand-name product from Allergan, and the 13.9% strength in a 15g tube is the only presentation listed here.
• It is a Skin Care treatment applied topically to the upper face and chin, not a systemic medicine.

How eflornithine cream works

Eflornithine blocks an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase, which hair follicles need to produce new hair. With that enzyme inhibited, the follicle slows down and less hair grows in the treated area. The effect builds over several weeks of consistent use and fades if you stop. This is the mechanism of the topical cream; the injectable form of eflornithine is a different medicine used for sleeping sickness and is not what Vaniqa contains.

Further reading

• Information for the user Vaniqa 11.5% cream
• Eflornithine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
• Update on field use of the available drugs for the chemotherapy of human African trypanosomiasis