Eflornithine hydrochloride 13.9% cream is a permanent inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme that has been associated with the prolongation of the anagen or growth phase of the hair. Consequently, it lowers the rate of hair growth for all hairs. A method for temporary hair reduction in women. It appears to be effective in any case, whether the unwanted facial hair is hereditary or is due to medical conditions such as an androgen excess disorder. After 24 weeks of treatment in clinical trials, it was shown to be effective on the upper lip and chin.

Clinical observations identified hair loss as a side-effect of eflornithine therapy and led to the development of Vaniqa, which gained US regulatory approval in July 2001, as the first and only prescription cream clinically proven to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. This medication is not a depilatory, but it appears to slow hair growth to improve the condition and the patient’s appearance. Patients will likely need to continue using other hair removal methods like shaving or plucking in conjunction with Vaniqa.

Improvements was seen after four to eight weeks of treatment in the 24-week clinical trials. The condition may return to pre-treatment levels eight weeks after discontinuing treatment.