Vaniqa can be applied thinly to your face twice a day to slow hair growth. It should be applied to the face only twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. It should be thoroughly rubbed into the area of the skin. The maximum applied dosage used safely in most clinical trials was at 30 grams each month.

If you experience irritation (e.g. stinging burning), reduce the use of Vaniqa to once daily until the irritation has gone. If it persists, contact your doctor. If you have just shaved or used any other hair removal method, wait at least 5 minutes before using Vaniqa.

It takes between four and eight weeks to have a noticeable effect. If you stop using Vaniqa, its effects will wear off within eight weeks, by which time your hair will go back to growing the same as it did before you used it. If no benefit is seen after four months, treatment should be stopped.

Consistent use will result in reduced hair growth and is required to maintain long term slow hair growth effects. The condition can recur after 8 months of discontinued use of Vaniqa cream. Use of the cream may be discontinued after no visible effects are noticed within 4 months of treatment.

Follow the instructions below to ensure appropriate use of this medication:

• Put a thin layer of the cream onto the clean and dry face or chin area where unwanted hair growth is prevalent.
• Rub the cream thoroughly in the affected area. The medication must be applied thoroughly such that there is no visible cream after rubbing it well in.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Vaniqa cream.
• For best results, the treated area must not be wet or cleaned for about 4 hours after application.
• You can apply sunscreen or makeup over the treated area, but allow 5-10 minutes to pass prior to application.

In the event you miss a dose, it is safe to apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if enough time has passed that you should be applying your next dose instead, simply skip the missed dose and resume your typical application schedule.

Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Some common side effects include:

• Soreness
• Acne
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Inflammation around the hair shaft
• Itching
• Rash
• Redness
• Skin irritation and bumps caused by shaving
• Stinging, tingling or burning feeling on the skin

Uncommon side effects include:

• Bumpy rash (papular rash)
• Cold sores
• Redness and irritation
• Eczema
• Inflamed, dry, cracked or numb lips
• Ingrowing hairs
• Pale areas on the skin
• Skin bleeding, boils, flushing
• Swelling of the mouth or face
• Unusual hair texture or hair growth

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.

The growth of excessive hair in women can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Before starting treatment for excessive facial hair you should always have a thorough medical examination with your doctor to ensure that there is no underlying cause that needs to be addressed. These can include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), some hormone-producing tumours as well as taking cyclosporin, steroids, minoxidil, phenobarbitone, phenytoin or male hormones.

Should you have sores, wounds, or cuts in your chin or face, it is directed to stop using Vaniqa cream altogether.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Vaniqa is not suitable for use to remove facial hair. You should speak to your doctor about possible alternative treatment options. Alternative hair removal treatments and creams may be required while pregnant to manage the condition.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:

• Hives
• Dizziness
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Wheezing
• Difficult breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.

For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.