Drug Uses
Vaniqa (Cream) is a prescription medication applied to the skin for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women. Vaniqa interferes with an enzyme found in the hair follicle of the skin needed for hair growth. This results in slower hair growth and improved appearance where Vaniqa is applied. Vaniqa does not permanently remove hair or "cure" unwanted facial hair. It is not a depilatory. Your treatment program should include continuation of any hair removal technique you are currently using. Vaniqa will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.
How Taken
Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa Cream to affected areas of the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin and rub in thoroughly. Do not wash treated area for at least 4 hours. Use twice daily at least 8 hours apart or as directed by a physician. You should continue to use hair removal techniques as needed in conjunction with Vaniqa. (Vaniqa should be applied at least 5 minutes after hair removal).
Cosmetics or sunscreens may be applied over treated areas after cream has dried.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not use Vaniqa if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Vaniqa is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Vaniqa will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Vaniqa passes into breast milk. Do not use Vaniqa without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Vaniqa has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.
Missed Dose
If you forget or miss a dose of Vaniqa do not try to "make it up". Return to your normal application schedule as soon as you can.
Possible Side Effects
Vaniqa may cause temporary redness, stinging, burning, tingling or rash on areas of the skin where it is applied. Hair bumps may also occur. If these persist, consult your doctor. Treatment related skin adverse events that occurred in less than 1% of the subjects treated with Vaniqa are: bleeding skin, cheilitis, and contact dermatitis, swelling of lips, herpes simplex, numbness and rosacea. Adverse events were primarily mild in intensity and generally resolved without medical treatment or discontinuation of Vaniqa.
Storage
Store at 25° C (77° F); excursions permitted to 15° C-30° C (59° F-86° F). Do not freeze. See tube crimp and carton end for expiration date and lot number.
Overdose
An overdose of Vaniqa is not likely to occur. If the cream has been ingested, or if you suspect an overdose has occurred, contact your doctor, hospital emergency room, or poison control center for advice.
More Information
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, wash the area with water. If Vaniqa gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.
Disclaimer
The medication monograph provided above is for your information purposes only, it is not intended to cover all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of this drug. This is general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose and can not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. This website disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of the information, and of any consequences arising from the your use of the information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences may arise.
