Vaniqa is the trade name of Eflornithine belonging to the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors group of medications. Eflornithine was initially developed in the 1970s for use as an anticancer medication before being approved in the 1980s as a hair removal cream. The WHO has listed it as an Essential medication because of its effectiveness in the treatment of sleeping sickness conditions. Vaniqa is so far the only topical prescription treatment used for slowing down the growth of facial hair. On top of this basic knowledge, let’s understand whether Vaniqa can make hair growth worse or not. Later, we will understand its mechanism of action and will know about conditions in which Vaniqa should not be used.
Can Vaniqa make hair growth worse?
Of the various clinical studies conducted on evaluating the safety and efficacy of Vaniqa in hirsutism patients, all of them have been unanimous on one ground; Vaniqa does not cause contact sensitization, phototoxic, or photosensitization during its use unless you are allergic to its ingredients or have overused the medication beyond its designated time of use. Now, let’s try to understand the mechanism of action.
How does it work?
5-alpha-reductases or 3-oxo-5 alpha steroid 4 dehydrogenase enzymes are enzymes involved in steroid metabolism that use the method of androgen biosynthesis to achieve their functions. Hyperactivity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme due to medical, idiopathic, or other reasons is considered the chief cause of hair growth in women with hirsutism conditions.
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Vaniqa acts as an inhibitor of this 5-alpha reductase enzyme to prevent the over secretion of androgen from ovaries and adrenal glands. This enables it to control further hair growth. Further, Eflornithine, the active ingredient in Vaniqa, irreversibly inhibits ornithine decarboxylase( enzyme) that is involved in the production of hair shafts in the hair follicle. By blocking the enzyme, hair growth is slowed down. The anagen phase of hair growth is slowed down, and the telogen phase of hair growth is activated to help in hair loss and slower hair growth.
Numerous studies have proved that Vaniqa can be used successfully in women of all ethnicities and age groups to yield successful results after treatment. Among other methods of hair removal, shaving does not yield satisfactory results, and laser treatment for Vaniqa is not suitable for dark-skinned patients. This makes Vaniqa a safe option for hair removal without any major adverse reactions. Studies have further proved that even Vaniqa, because of its unique properties, reduces the social anxiety the patients feel with their condition along with reducing the time spent hiding their condition.
Even after discontinuing the medication, hair regrowth does not occur immediately but after almost eight weeks ( 2 months) of discontinuation. The incidence of treatment-related adverse reactions had also been reported to be 1% in studies evaluating Vaniqa as a hair removal medication. These reactions resolve on their own without medical treatment or discontinuation of the medication.
Conditions in which Vaniqa should not be used
Occasionally reactions like an ingrown hair, papular rash, hypopigmentation, flushing of the skin, lip numbness, and facial edema can occur. This can be especially so if you are allergic to the medication or its ingredients.
Rarely, phenomena like rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, maculopapular rash, and skin neoplasms are associated with the use of Vaniqa. It is advisable in these conditions to stop using the medication immediately and get immediate help for your condition or opt for other forms of treatment options.
Always consult a doctor before using and check for genuine drugs while buying from an online pharmacy. Consuming fake drugs can lead to severe side effects. It’s imperative for sure.