This medication is used to slow down the growth of
unwanted hair on the face and under the chin in women. It should not be
used for hair on other parts of the body. It blocks a certain natural
substance (an enzyme) that is needed for hair growth in the skin. This
effect slows hair growth and may also make the hair finer and lighter. It
does not remove hair or cause the hair to fall out.
This drug is not for use in children younger than 12
years.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using eflornithine and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Apply a thin layer of this medication only to the
affected areas of the face and chin as directed by your doctor, usually
twice daily (at least 8 hours apart). Rub the medication in well. Do not
apply for at least 5 minutes after hair removal (such as plucking,
shaving). Do not wash the treated area for at least 4
hours.
Wash hands immediately after using this product. This
medication is for use on the skin only. Avoid getting the product in your
eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse
immediately with clean water. If this drug gets in your eyes, rinse
thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.
Wait until the medication has dried completely before
applying cosmetics, moisturizers, or sunscreens over the treated
areas.
This product is not a hair removal product. Continue to
use hair removal techniques (such as shaving, plucking) while using this
medication. If you stop using this product, hair growth will
return.
You should see some improvement in 4 to 8 weeks. This
medication works slowly. Use exactly as directed. Do not use more of this
product or use it more often. Your condition will not improve faster, and
the risk of side effects will increase. Tell your doctor if your skin
becomes red or irritated. Your doctor may direct you to apply the
medication only once a day or stop the medication.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Acne or burning, stinging, tingling, and redness of the
skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to eflornithine; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as
methylparaben), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk
to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- cuts/infections/sores on face
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not apply more to catch up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.