Pharmaceutical companies are competing in the $4 billion dollar-a-year hair removal industry with prescription medications that seek to block new hair growth or inhibit existing hair growth. Medications such as eflornithine hydrochloride and even oral contraceptives are commonly prescribed today. Learn more about them on this page.
Vaniqa is the retail name for eflornithine hydrochloride. This hair removal cream inhibits the growth of facial hair by blocking an enzyme that helps produce hair. Vaniqa is not a permanent form of hair removal. It slows hair growth and must be applied twice a day. Once treatment stops, hair will start to grow back at a normal pace and texture.
Androgens are hormones that are related to testosterone and are responsible for hair growth. A doctor may prescribe anti-androgen medications, like cyproterone acetate and birth control pills, for more troubling body hair issues, such as hirsutism (a condition experienced by women in which unwanted hair growth occurs in areas where hair wouldn't typically grow). Menopausal hormone shifts or polycystic ovaries (a hormonal condition brought on by changes in the ovaries) can also be the source of unwanted new hair growth.
Cyproterone acetate is not currently available in the United States and, it has been reported that it is due to the drug's possible toxicity and long-term side effects, is often considered a last resort for treating hirsutism.
Vaniqa must be applied twice daily for good results and can take up to six weeks to begin working. Vaniqa may also cause skin irritation or acne.
Side effects for birth control pills, which are prescribed as anti-androgens, include weight gain and irregular menstrual bleeding. Always talk to your doctor about side effects for any prescription treatment as well as read the drug's disclaimers
Because prescription treatments and medications require a doctor visit, you will incur office visit and prescription fees.
Vaniqa cream can range from $68 for a 30-gram tube to $168 for a 90-gram tube.
Birth control pills can range from $30 to $90 for a one-month supply.
Work with your doctor and your health insurance provider to determine the costs you may incur when purchasing prescription drugs, and ask your pharmacist about lower-cost generic brands.
Now that you understand about prescription hair removal treatments, get help finding a hair removal specialist on the next page.
Androgens are hormones that are related to testosterone and are responsible for hair growth. A doctor may prescribe anti-androgen medications, like cyproterone acetate and birth control pills, for more troubling body hair issues, such as hirsutism, a condition experienced by women in which unwanted hair growth occurs in areas where hair wouldn't typically grow.