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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
Eflornithine (ee-FLOOR-nith-een) is used to slow down bodily substances called enzymes that help hair grow. The effect is slower facial hair growth.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For eflornithine, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to eflornithine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances or topical medications.
Pregnancy--Studies with eflornithine have not been done in pregnant women. In animal studies, when taken by mouth, eflornithine has been shown to cause birth defects or other problems. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor whether you should use this medicine during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether eflornithine passes into breast milk. Mothers who are taking this medicine and wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children--There is no specific information comparing use of eflornithine in children under the age of 12 years with use in other age groups. However, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older children than it does in adults.
Older adults--This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of
the skin. This medicine
comes with a patient instruction sheet. Read this sheet carefully and follow
the directions. If you have any questions on how to use this medicine, be
sure to ask your health care professional. This medicine is usually used on the face and nearby involved areas under
the chin only. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse
thoroughly with water and contact your doctor if the medicine gets in the
eyes You need to continue your normal hair removal procedures while using this
medicine, and the medicine should be applied at least five minutes after the
unwanted hair has been removed. You should wait until the medicine dries before
applying cosmetics or sunscreen. Do not wash the treated areas for at least 4 hours
after applying the medicine. Dosing--The dose of eflornithine will be different
for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or
the directions on the label
. The following information includes only
the average dose of eflornithine. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Missed dose--If you forget or miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage--To store this medicine:
If skin irritation occurs, reduce the frequency of treatments. If irritation continues, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor.
If no improvement is seen after six months of treatment, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor.
If condition gets worse while you use the medicine, stop the medicine and contact your doctor.
Side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
More Common
Acne; stinging skin
Less common
Burning or bleeding skin; chapped, red lips; chronic acne; hair bumps; numbness; rash; reddening of skin; swelling of lips; tingling skin
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 10/30/00
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