What is it and how is it used?
Women use Vaniqa to reduce the growth of excessive hair on their faces.
How it works
Vaniqa slows down the growth of hair through its effect on an enzyme involved in the production of hair. It does not remove hair. It is not a depilatory cream so you may need to continue removing hair, for example by shaving or plucking. Improvement may be seen as early as 2 months after start up of treatment. If you do not see any benefit after using it for 4 months contact your doctor. If you stop using it your original hair growth may return in 2 months.
What do you have to consider before using it?
Do NOT use Vaniqa:
Take special care with Vaniqa:
What else should I know?
Excessive growth of hair may be a result of underlying diseases or certain medications. Contact your doctor if you have any questions.
Wait at least 5 minutes after shaving or plucking before using this cream. It may sting or burn if you put this medicine on cut or irritated skin.
Do not get it in your eyes or inside your nose or mouth. If this happens accidentally, rinse thoroughly with water.
Using Vaniqa with other medicines
Speak to your doctor if you need to use other medicines on the areas of skin where you are using it.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
Do not use Vaniqa if you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant. You should not use this medicine while breast-feeding.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Vaniqa
This medicine contains cetostearyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
How is it used?
Always use Vaniqa exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
1. If you have just shaved or used any other hair removal method, wait at least 5 minutes before using Vaniqa.
2. Clean and dry the areas of the skin where you will be using it.
3. Apply a thin layer of cream and rub it in thoroughly.
4. If possible, do not wash these areas of skin for 4 hours after putting it on.
5. Wash your hands after applying it.
6. Wait at least 5 minutes before using make-up or sunscreen on the same areas.
7. Use it twice a day, at least 8 hours apart.
8. Vaniqa can cause irritation (stinging, burning). If irritation is caused, reduce the use of Vaniqa to once a day until the irritation has gone. If irritation persists contact your doctor.
How long should I use Vaniqa?
It may take up to 2 months before you see results. Continually using it may lead to further improvement. You will need to keep using it to keep the benefit. If you do not see any benefit after using it for 4 months contact your doctor.
If you use more Vaniqa than you should
If you put too much cream on your skin, it is unlikely to harm you.
If you or anyone else accidentally swallows Vaniqa, contact your doctor.
If you forget to use Vaniqa
Apply straight away, but wait at least 8 hours before using it again.
What are possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Vaniqa can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most frequently reported side effect was acne (7-14%). Other side effects commonly (> 1%) reported were skin problems such as skin reactions from ingrowing hair, hair loss, a burning, stinging or tingling feeling, dry skin, itching, redness or rash.
Also reported, but uncommonly (< 1%), were ingrowing hairs, swelling of the face or mouth, skin bleeding, cold sores, dry, cracked or numb lips, pale areas of the skin, sore skin, flushing of the skin, eczema, irritation of the skin, skin boils, abnormal hair texture and abnormal hair growth. Also reported, but rarely (
If you notice these or any other side effects, or if you are not sure about the effect of Vaniqa, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should it be stored?
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use the cream after its expiry date. There is an expiry date on the box and on the bottom of the tube of Vaniqa.
Make sure the cap of the tube is tightly closed after each use.
Do not store above 25°C (77°F).
