Wonica

Indications

Eflornithine cream is used by women to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair (facial hirsutism), usually on the upper lip and chin. It does not remove hair, so it is used together with normal hair removal methods such as shaving, threading or waxing. Eflornithine is also made as an injection for sleeping sickness and as tablets for a childhood cancer, but those are specialist hospital medicines.

How It Works

Eflornithine blocks an enzyme in the hair follicle called ornithine decarboxylase, which hair cells need to divide and grow. Blocking it slows hair growth, so hair grows back more slowly, finer and lighter after removal.

Dosage and Administration

Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas of the face and under the chin twice a day, at least 8 hours apart, and rub in well. Do not wash the area for at least 4 hours after applying. Wait at least 5 minutes after shaving or hair removal before applying, as it may sting on freshly treated skin. Makeup or sunscreen can be applied after the cream has dried. Improvement is usually seen after 4 to 8 weeks; if there is no improvement after 4 months, stop and see your doctor. Hair growth returns to its previous level about 8 weeks after stopping.

Interactions

• No important interactions are known with the cream.
• Avoid using other irritating skin products, such as strong peels or retinoids, on the same area without advice.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Eflornithine or any ingredient in the cream.
• Not recommended for children under 12 years.
• Do not apply to broken, cut or infected skin.

Side Effects

The most common side effect is acne. Others include burning, stinging or tingling, dry skin, itching, redness, rash, and ingrown hairs or bumps after shaving (pseudofolliculitis). These are usually mild and settle with continued use or when the cream is stopped.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe, blistering rash.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so do not use it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• For external use on the face and chin only. Avoid the eyes, inside the nose and the mouth.
• Excess hair can sometimes be a sign of a hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome; see a doctor to find the cause.
• People with severe kidney problems should use it only after medical advice.

Overdose

Applying too much may increase skin irritation. If the cream is swallowed, contact a doctor or poison centre.

Therapeutic Class

Topical hair growth inhibitor (ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor).

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.