Prescription
Prescription RequiredCompoundedEflornithine Cream
Eflornithine Cream is used to slow the growth of unwanted facial or body hair. It works on the hair follicles just under the skin. When used as directed, it can make hair grow back more slowly and finer. It is for external use only and should be applied in a thin layer to the affected skin.
Requires a valid prescription from your provider. Not sure if it's right for you? Ask a pharmacist.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Compounded products are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice — always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Clinical information
Medication information for patients and providers.
Use as directed by your healthcare provider. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin and gently rub in until it disappears. If you miss an application, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply more than directed or double up on doses.
Eflornithine blocks an enzyme in hair follicles called ornithine decarboxylase. This enzyme helps hair grow. By slowing the enzyme, the cream makes new hair grow back more slowly and become finer. Most people start to notice smoother skin in about 4–8 weeks. Results last as long as you keep using the cream and fade within weeks after stopping.
Do not use if you are allergic to eflornithine or any ingredients in this product. Do not apply to broken, cut, or infected skin. Do not use inside the mouth, nose, eyes, or vagina. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider decides the benefit outweighs any possible risk. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Because very little of the medicine enters the bloodstream, drug interactions are unlikely. Still, tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use. Avoid using other strong facial products (like chemical peels, alcohol-based toners, or acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids) on the same area without medical advice, as this may increase skin irritation.
Very common (more than 1 in 10 people): mild burning or stinging right after applying. Common (1–10 in 100 people): redness, acne bumps, dry skin, itching, or rash where applied. Uncommon (1–10 in 1,000 people): folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), tingling, or swelling. Rare but serious: severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat—stop use and seek medical help right away. Most skin effects improve within a few minutes to hours and lessen with continued use.
Store at room temperature (68–77°F, 20–25°C). Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed and protect from heat and direct sunlight. Avoid storing in the bathroom where humidity is high. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of any unused cream after the expiration date through a pharmacy take-back program or place in a sealed bag mixed with an undesirable substance (like coffee grounds) before discarding in household trash.
• Balfour JA et al. (2001), Am J Clin Dermatol: Eflornithine vs placebo trials in women
• Hoffmann R. (2008), Eur J Dermatol: 4-month open-label study with TrichoScan
• Hamzavi I. et al. (2007), JAAD: Eflornithine + laser vs laser for female facial hair (split-face RCT)
• Zahoor H. et al. (2019), J Pak Med Assoc: IPL + eflornithine vs IPL alone in hirsutism
• Vissing AC et al. (2016), J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol: Post-IPL maintenance with eflornithine vs none
• Xia Y. et al. (2012), JAAD: Eflornithine + Nd:YAG laser vs laser in PFB (split-neck RCT)
• Shokeir H. et al. (2021), J Cosmet Dermatol: Eflornithine only vs laser only vs combination in PFB
Frequently asked questions.
In studies of the FDA-approved eflornithine product, changes were usually seen after 4 to 8 weeks of twice-daily use. Your prescriber will tell you how long to use this compounded cream before judging whether it helps. If you stop, hair growth usually returns to normal within about 8 weeks.
Yes. You can keep using your normal hair-removal methods such as shaving, plucking, or waxing. Apply the cream at least 5 minutes after hair removal to avoid extra skin irritation.
Mild redness or stinging is common and often improves as your skin gets used to the cream. If irritation is painful, lasts more than a few days, or blisters appear, stop using the product and contact your healthcare provider.
There is limited information about use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your healthcare provider before using if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
The FDA-approved eflornithine product is approved to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. Your prescriber decides whether this compounded cream is right for you. Men should avoid applying it to areas with a beard they wish to keep, as it may slow growth.
Hair will slowly begin to grow back at its normal rate within about 8 weeks after stopping. To maintain results, continue using the cream as directed.
No, it does not remove existing hair. It only slows new hair growth and makes hair finer. You will still need other hair-removal methods for visible hairs.
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