Buy Vaniqa Online. No Consultation Fee, Free Next-Day Delivery
Get prescribed Vaniqa for Hair Removal by a UK clinician through a free video consultation*. No questionnaires, no hidden fees. You only pay for your medication if approved.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Vaniqa Key Facts
About Vaniqa cream
Vaniqa is a prescription-only cream containing eflornithine as the active ingredient. It is used to treat excess female facial hair (hirsutism) in adult women. Specifically, it is used to treat excessive hair growth on the upper lip, chin, and neck.
Vaniqa cream targets enzymes inside the hair follicle responsible for hair growth. Eflornithine, blocks the enzymes, slowing the production of new hair. In some cases, this can stop hair growth altogether.
Vaniqa cream is available with a prescription only. It is not available over the counter. NowPatient offers Vaniqa as a hair removal treatments, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Vaniqa cream
- For the treatment of excessive facial hair growth
- Vaniqa is not a permanent hair removal cream
- Vaniqa can be used for up to four months before switching to an alternative treatment
- Most users will see results within 4 to 8 weeks of regular use. Some users may see a change within one week
- Vaniqa has some common side effects which include itching and redness
- It can be dangerous if you use Vaniqa with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
How and where to get Vaniqa cream?
You can buy Vaniqa safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of hair removal, you can discuss if Vaniqa is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Vaniqa for hair removal
Vaniqa is available as a cream for hair removal. It should be applied twice a day on the affected area of the face.
Information about how to use Vaniqa cream for hair removal
Begin by washing and drying the affected area. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours. You may apply sunscreen or makeup over the treated area once the cream dried. Apply Vaniqa cream twice daily as directed by your doctor.
You should continue to use your normal hair removal method while using Vaniqa. If you have any side effects such as burning or skin irritation, reduce how often you use the cream to once daily.
For further information read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication, or speak to your healthcare provider for medical advice.
What happens if you use too much Vaniqa cream?
If you use more Vaniqa cream than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Vaniqa cream and experience any side effects.
What are the side effects of Vaniqa cream?
Common side effects of Vaniqa cream include:
- Hair loss
- Burning, stinging or tingling sensation
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Redness
- Rash
- Inflammation around the hair shaft
- Eczema
- Ingrowing hairs
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Vaniqa cream at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Vaniqa cream. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Vaniqa cream used for hair removal be used long term?
You should use Vaniqa cream for at least 4 months, before switching to an alternative treatment. You are advised to stop using Vaniqa cream and speak to your GP if you do not see an improvement in hair growth within the 4 months.
Is there a herbal Vaniqa cream?
No. Herbal Vaniqa cream does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Vaniqa cream during pregnancy?
It is not recommended to use Vaniqa cream if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It is also not recommended if you are breastfeeding. You are advised to use other hair removal techniques.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Vaniqa cream?
You can eat and drink normally when using Vaniqa cream.
Alternatives to Vaniqa cream
Alternatives for the treatment of facial hair removal include shaving, waxing, plucking, bleaching, threading, or laser and electrolysis treatments.
Your GP may also suggest taking a contraceptive pill if you haven’t yet reached menopause, as this can be effective in managing excess hair.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Vaniqa
What is Vaniqa cream?
Vaniqa is a prescription-only topical cream containing eflornithine hydrochloride 11.5%. It is the only licensed topical treatment in the UK specifically designed to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair (facial hirsutism) in women. Vaniqa does not remove hair but works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in hair growth, making hair finer, lighter, and slower to regrow. It is used alongside your usual method of hair removal (such as shaving, waxing, or threading) and is applied to affected areas of the face and under the chin twice daily.
How does Vaniqa work?
Vaniqa works by irreversibly inhibiting ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme essential for cell division and growth in the hair follicle. By blocking this enzyme, eflornithine slows the rate of hair growth and reduces the thickness and pigmentation of new hair. The result is that facial hair becomes finer, lighter, and less noticeable over time. Vaniqa does not permanently remove hair — if treatment is stopped, hair growth returns to its previous rate within about 8 weeks. Continued use is needed to maintain results.
Who is Vaniqa suitable for?
Vaniqa is licensed for adult women aged 18 years and over with facial hirsutism. It is suitable for women of all ethnicities and all causes of facial hair growth, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), idiopathic hirsutism, and hormone-related hair growth. Vaniqa is not suitable for use in men, children, or on body areas other than the face and adjacent chin area. It should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How do I apply Vaniqa cream?
Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa cream to the affected areas of the face and adjacent chin twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. Rub in the cream thoroughly. Allow Vaniqa to dry for at least 5 minutes before applying sunscreen, moisturiser, or makeup. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours after application. Continue using your usual method of hair removal (shaving, waxing, threading) alongside Vaniqa — the cream slows regrowth between hair removal sessions. Wash hands after application.
How long does Vaniqa take to work?
Most women begin to see an improvement within 6–8 weeks of starting Vaniqa, although it can take up to 4 months for the full effect to become apparent. If no improvement is seen after 4 months of consistent twice-daily use, treatment should be reconsidered. The hair does not fall out; instead, it gradually becomes finer, lighter, and slower growing. You should continue your normal hair removal method throughout treatment.
What are the common side effects of Vaniqa?
Common side effects (affecting 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people) include acne, skin burning or stinging sensation, and dry skin at the application site. Uncommon side effects include tingling, redness, rash, ingrown hairs, and folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles). These skin reactions are usually mild and often settle with continued use. If irritation is severe or persistent, reduce application to once daily or stop temporarily. Do not apply Vaniqa to broken, irritated, or sunburnt skin.
Does Vaniqa cause acne?
Acne is listed as a common side effect of Vaniqa, occurring in approximately 7% of users in clinical trials. This may be related to the cream base or to the effects on the hair follicle. If you develop acne while using Vaniqa, speak to your prescriber. Acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids may be used alongside Vaniqa if needed. In most cases, the acne is mild and manageable.
Can I use Vaniqa during pregnancy?
Vaniqa is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Eflornithine is absorbed through the skin in small amounts, and its effects on foetal development have not been adequately studied. If you become pregnant while using Vaniqa, stop the cream and inform your doctor. Facial hirsutism is not a harmful condition, so treatment can safely be paused during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What happens if I stop using Vaniqa?
If you stop using Vaniqa, facial hair growth will gradually return to its previous rate and thickness within approximately 8 weeks. Vaniqa does not permanently alter hair growth — it only slows it while being applied. This means Vaniqa is a long-term treatment that needs to be continued for ongoing benefit. If you decide to stop, you can resume your usual hair removal methods.
How can I get a prescription for Vaniqa?
Vaniqa can be prescribed by your GP, a dermatologist, or through online services such as NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess the extent and impact of your facial hair and may investigate underlying hormonal causes such as PCOS. NowPatient provides a convenient online consultation where a qualified UK prescriber can evaluate your suitability and issue a prescription with home delivery.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
