Eflornithine topical Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 31, 2023.
Applies to eflornithine topical: topical cream.
Warning
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using eflornithine and call your doctor at once if you have:
-
severe irritation of treated skin; or
-
redness or crusting around your hair follicles.
Common side effects may include:
-
temporary redness, rash, burning, stinging, itching, or tingling;
-
acne or red bumps on the skin;
-
skin dryness; or
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to eflornithine topical: topical cream.
General
The most frequently reported side effects were dermatologic in nature and included acne and pseudofolliculitis barbae.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Acne (up to 21.3 %), pseudofolliculitis barbae (up to 16.3%)
Common (1% to 10%): Stinging skin, burning skin, dry skin, pruritus, erythema, tingling skin, skin irritated, rash, alopecia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ingrown hair, papular rash, skin bleeding, eczema, contact dermatitis, hair texture abnormal, hair growth abnormal, skin hypopigmentation, skin soreness
Rare (less than 0.1%): Rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, maculopapular rash, skin cyst, vesiculobullous rash, skin disorder, hirsutism, skin tightness[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
Frequency not reported: Numbness[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea, cheilitis, numb lip
Frequency not reported: Swollen lip[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flushing[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Folliculitis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Facial edema, asthenia, vertigo, mouth edema, herpes simplex, furunculosis[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia[Ref]
Oncologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin neoplasm[Ref]
More about eflornithine topical
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (116)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous topical agents
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Vaniqa (eflornithine topical)." Bristol-Myers Squibb
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.