Vaniqa Side Effects

Generic name: eflornithine topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about eflornithine topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Vaniqa.

Applies to eflornithine topical: external cream.

Serious side effects of Vaniqa

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.

Other side effects of Vaniqa

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Pimples (acne).
• Burning.
• Stinging.
• Hair bumps.
• Skin irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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]

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.

Medical Disclaimer