Eflornithine topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 31, 2023.

Applies to eflornithine topical: topical cream.

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

• headache.

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]

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