Eflornithine

Description

Eflornithine is a topical medicine. It is used to treat facial hirsutism (unwanted facial hair growth) in women. This medicine works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase, thus reducing unwanted hair growth. Eflornithine may cause side effects like dry skin, rashes, itching, redness, and irritation of the skin. These side effects are mild and may subside on their own. However, if they bother you for a longer time or worsen, consult your doctor for further assistance. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it. Eflornithine is for external use only. Clean and dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of this medicine. Do not use more than the prescribed amount. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth as it may cause undesired effects. Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine. Use it regularly and avoid discontinuing this medicine without consulting your doctor. Eflornithine may not be suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy data for use are not available. Inform your doctor about all your skin conditions and the ongoing medications before starting the treatment with Eflornithine. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Eflornithine

  • Acne
  • Dry skin
  • Itching of skin
  • Skin rash
  • Reddened, sore skin
  • Abnormal skin growth
  • Burning or stinging sensation at application site
  • Skin irritation

Uses of Eflornithine

What is it prescribed for?

  • Hirsutism
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The amount of time required for Eflornithine to show its action is not clinically established.
  • Duration of effect
    The amount of time for which Eflornithine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Eflornithine.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Eflornithine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Eflornithine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding unless necessary. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Allergy

Avoid using Eflornithine if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Eflornithine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Breast-feeding

Eflornithine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding unless necessary. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings

Other medicines

Eflornithine may interact with certain medicines and cause side effects. Hence, it is advised to inform the doctor about all your current medicines, including any herbs and supplements, before beginning treatment with this medicine.

External use only

Eflornithine is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or open wounds. Rinse with water in the case of accidental contact with these areas.

Use in children

Eflornithine is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not available.

Missed Dose

Apply the missed dose of Eflornithine as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

An overdose of Eflornithine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, the ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions

Disease

Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Eflornithine is meant for external use only. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Apply a thin layer of Eflornithine to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. Do not apply it in larger or smaller quantities than recommended.  Report any undesirable effects that persist or worsen to your doctor. Keep away from the reach of children and pets. Ensure that unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works
Eflornithine works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase, thus reducing unwanted facial hair growth in women.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Unknown

Approved

Classification

Category

Miscellaneous topical agents

Schedule

Schedule H

Drugs, H., 2022. Eflornithine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 25 July 2022].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604031.html

Medicines.org.uk. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 25 July 2022].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6398.pdf

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. [online] Available at: [Accessed 25 July 2022].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2000/21145lbl.pdf

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. Eflornithine. [online] Available at: [Accessed 25 July 2022].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/eflornithine

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Information on this page was last updated on 5 Sep 2022

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