VANIQA is a cream containing 13.9% (139 mg/g) of anhydrous eflornithine hydrochloride as eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate (150 mg/g).

Chemically, eflornithine hydrochloride is (±) -2- (difluoromethyl) ornithine monohydrochloride monohydrate, with the empirical formula C₆H₁₂F₂N₂O₂•HCl•H₂O, a molecular weight of 236.65 and the following structural formula:

Anhydrous eflornithine hydrochloride has an empirical formula C₆H₁₂F₂N₂O₂• HCl and a molecular weight of 218.65.

Other ingredients include: ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, methylparaben, mineral oil, PEG-100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, stearyl alcohol and water.

VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% is indicated for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women.

VANIQA has only been studied on the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin of affected individuals. Usage should be limited to these areas of involvement.

Apply a thin layer of VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% to affected areas of the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin and rub in thoroughly. Do not wash treated area for at least 4 hours. Use twice daily at least 8 hours apart or as directed by a physician. The patient should continue to use hair removal techniques as needed in conjunction with VANIQA. (VANIQA should be applied at least 5 minutes after hair removal.) Cosmetics or sunscreens may be applied over treated areas after cream has dried.

VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% is available as:

30 gram tube NDC 67402-040-30
2-30 gram tubes NDC 67402-040-32

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature] Do not freeze. See tube crimp and carton end for expiration date and lot number.

Distributed By: SkinMedica, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 92010. www.skinmedica.com. Revised 09/2006. FDA Rev date: 9/5/2001

Adverse events reported for most body systems occurred at similar frequencies in VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% and vehicle control groups. The most frequent adverse events related to treatment with VANIQA were skin-related. The following table notes the percentage of adverse events associated with the use of VANIQA or its vehicle that occurred at greater than 1% in both the vehicle controlled studies and the open-label safety studies up to 1 year of continuous use.

Treatment-related skin adverse events that occurred in less than 1% of the subjects treated with VANIQA are: bleeding skin, cheilitis, contact dermatitis, swelling of lips, herpes simplex, numbness and rosacea.

Adverse events were primarily mild in intensity and generally resolved without medical treatment or discontinuation of VANIQA. Only 2% of subjects discontinued studies due to an adverse event related to use of VANIQA.

Laboratory Test Abnormalities

No laboratory test abnormalities have been consistently found to be associated with VANIQA. In an open-label study, some patients showed an increase in their transaminases; however, the clinical significance of these findings is not known.

It is not known if VANIQA has any interaction with other topically applied drug products.

Discontinue use if hypersensitivity occurs.

General

For external use only.

Transient stinging or burning may occur when applied to abraded or broken skin.

Information For Patients

Patients using VANIQA should receive the following information and instructions:

1. This medication is not a depilatory, but rather appears to retard hair growth to improve the condition and the patient's appearance. Patients will likely need to continue using a hair removal method (e.g., shaving, plucking, etc.) in conjunction with VANIQA® (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9%.
2. Onset of improvement was seen after as little as 4-8 weeks of treatment in the 24-week clinical trials. The condition may return to pretreatment levels 8 weeks after discontinuing treatment.
3. If skin irritation or intolerance develops, direct the patient to temporarily reduce the frequency of application (e.g., once a day). If irritation continues, the patient should discontinue use of the product.

Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for additional important information and instructions.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility

In a 12-month photocarcinogenicity study in hairless albino mice, animals treated with the vehicle alone showed an increased incidence of skin tumors induced by exposure to ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) light, whereas mice treated topically with VANIQA at doses up to 600 mg/kg [19X the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (BSA)] showed an incidence of skin tumors equivalent to untreated-control animals.

A 2-year dermal carcinogenicity study in CD- 1 mice treated with VANIQA revealed no evidence of carcinogenicity at daily doses up to 600 mg/kg (950X the MRHD based on AUC comparisons).

Eflornithine did not elicit mutagenic effects in an Ames reverse-mutation assay or clastogenicity in primary human lymphocytes, with and without metabolic activation. In a dermal micronucleus assay, eflornithine hydrochloride cream, 13.9%, at doses up to 900 mg/kg (58X the MRHD based on BSA) in rats yielded no evidence of genotoxicity.

In a dermal fertility and early embryonic development study in rats treated with VANIQA there were no adverse reproductive effects at doses up to 450 mg/kg (29X the MRHD based on BSA). In a peri- and postnatal study in rats, eflornithine administered in the drinking water was associated with maternal toxicity and reduced pup weights at doses of at least 625 mg/kg (40X the MRHD based on BSA) and a slightly reduced fertility index, which was considered to be of questionable biological significance, at 1698 mg/kg (110X the MRHD based on BSA). No effects were seen with an oral dose of 223 mg/kg (14X the MRHD based on BSA). In the latter study, the multiples of the human exposure are likely much higher, since eflornithine is well absorbed orally in rats, whereas minimal absorption occurs in humans treated topically.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C

In the first dermal embryo-fetal development study in rats treated with eflornithine hydrochloride cream, 13.9% (in which no precautions were taken to prevent ingestion of drug from application sites), maternal toxicity and fetal effects including reduced numbers of live fetuses, decreased fetal weights, and delayed ossification and development of the viscera were observed at doses of 225 and 450 mg/kg (15X and 29X the MRHD based on BSA, respectively). When the study was repeated under conditions that avoided ingestion from application sites, no maternal, fetal or teratogenic effects were observed at doses up to 450 mg/kg (29X the MRHD based on BSA). In the first study in which no precautions were taken to prevent ingestion, circulating plasma levels were 11- to 14-fold higher than in the second study in which ingestion was prevented. In a dermal embryo-fetal development study in rabbits treated with VANIQA (eflor- nithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% no adverse maternal or fetal effects occurred at doses up to 90 mg/kg (11X the MRHD based on BSA). Significant dermal irritation, as well as possible ingestion of VANIQA occurred at 300 mg/kg/day (36X the MRHD based on BSA) and was associated with maternal deaths, abortions, increased fetal resorptions, and reduced fetal weights. Fetotoxicity in the absence of maternal toxicity has been reported in oral studies with eflornithine with fetal no-effect doses of 80 mg/kg in rats and 45 mg/kg in rabbits. In these studies, no evidence of teratogenicity was observed in rats given up to 200 mg/kg or in rabbits given up to 135 mg/kg.

Although VANIQA was not formally studied in pregnant patients, 22 pregnancies occurred during the trials. Nineteen of these pregnancies occurred while patients were using VANIQA. Of the 19 pregnancies, there were 9 healthy infants, 4 spontaneous abortions, 5 induced/ elective abortions, and 1 birth defect (Down's Syndrome to a 35-year-old). Because there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, the risk/benefit ratio of using VANIQA in women with unwanted facial hair who are pregnant should be weighed carefully with serious consideration for either not implementing or discontinuing use of VANIQA.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether or not eflornithine hydrochloride is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when VANIQA is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of this product have not been established in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Of the 1373 patients on active treatment in clinical studies of VANIQA, approximately 7% were 65 years or older and approximately 1% were 75 or older. No apparent differences in safety were observed between older patients and younger patients.

Overdosage information with VANIQA is unavailable. Given the low percutaneous penetration of this drug, overdosage via the topical route is not expected (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). However, should very high topical doses (e.g., multiple tubes per day) or oral ingestion be encountered (a 30 g tube contains 4.2 g of eflornithine hydrochloride), the patient should be monitored, and appropriate supportive measures administered as necessary.

(Note: Use of an intravenous formulation of eflornithine hydrochloride at high doses (400 mg/kg/day or approximately 24 g/day) for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection (African sleeping sickness) has been associated with adverse events and laboratory abnormalities. Adverse events in this setting have included hair loss, facial swelling, seizures, hearing impairment, stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, weakness and dizziness. A variety of hematological toxicities, including anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia have also been observed, but these were usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.)

VANIQA is contraindicated in patients with a history of sensitivity to any components of the preparation.

Pharmacodynamics

There are no studies examining the inhibition of the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in human skin following the application of topical eflornithine. However, there are studies in the literature that report the inhibition of ODC activity in skin following oral eflornithine. It is postulated that topical eflornithine hydrochloride irreversibly inhibits skin ODC activity. This enzyme is necessary in the synthesis of polyamines. Animal data indicate that inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase inhibits cell division and synthetic functions, which affect the rate of hair growth. VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% has been shown to retard the rate of hair growth in non-clinical and clinical studies.

Pharmacokinetics

The mean percutaneous absorption of eflor- nithine in women with unwanted facial hair, from a 13.9% w/w cream formulation, is < 1% of the radioactive dose, following either single or multiple doses under conditions of clinical use, that included shaving within 2 hours before radiolabeled dose application in addition to other forms of cutting or plucking and tweezing to remove facial hair. Steady state was reached within four days of twice-daily application. The apparent steady-state plasma t_½ of eflornithine was approximately 8 hours. Following twice-daily application of 0.5 g of the cream (total dose 1.0 g/day; 139 mg as anhydrous eflornithine hydrochloride), under conditions of clinical use in women with unwanted facial hair (n=10), the steady-state Cmax, C_trough and AUC_12hr were approximately 10 ng/mL, 5 ng/mL, and 92 ng•hr/mL, respectively, expressed in terms of the anhydrous free base of eflornithine hydrochloride. At steady state, the dose-normalized peak concentrations (Cmax) and the extent of daily systemic exposure (AUC) of eflornithine following twice-daily application of 0.5 g of the cream (total dose 1.0 g/day) is estimated to be approximately 100- and 60-fold lower, when compared to 370 mg/day once-daily oral doses. This compound is not known to be metabolized and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.

Clinical Trials

Results of topical dermal studies for contact sensitization, photocontact sensitization, and photocontact irritation reveal that under conditions of clinical use, VANIQA is not expected to cause contact sensitization, phototoxic, or photosensitization reactions. Results of the topical dermal study for contact irritation did reveal that VANIQA could cause irritation reactions in clinical use in susceptible individuals or under conditions of exaggerated use.

Two randomized double-blind studies involving 594 female patients (393 treated with VANIQA, 201 with vehicle) treated twice daily for up to 24 weeks evaluated the efficacy of VANIQA in the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women. Women in the trial had a customary frequency of removal of facial hair two or more times per week. Women with facial conditions such as severe inflammatory acne, women who were pregnant, and nursing mothers were excluded from the studies. Physicians assessed the improvement or worsening from the baseline condition (Physician's Global Assessment [PGA]), 48 hours after shaving, of all treated areas. Statistically significant improvement for VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% versus vehicle was seen in each of these studies for "marked improvement" or greater response (24-week time point; p ≤ 0.001). Marked improvement was seen consistently at 8 weeks after initiation of treatment and continued throughout the 24 weeks of treatment. Hair growth approached pretreatment levels within 8 weeks of treatment withdrawal. The success rate over time is graphically presented below for each pivotal trial.

Physician's Global Assessment
Success Defined as Marked or Better Improvement

Approximately 32% of patients showed marked improvement or greater (protocol definition of clinical success) after 24 weeks of treatment with VANIQA (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9%, compared to 8% with the vehicle. Combined results of these two trials through 24 weeks are presented below.

Subgroup analyses appeared to suggest greater benefit for Whites than non-Whites (37% vs. 22% success, respectively; p=0.017). However, non-Whites, mostly Black subjects, did have significant treatment benefit with 22% graded as success on VANIQA compared to 5% on vehicle.

About 12% of women in the clinical trials were postmenopausal. Significant improvement in PGA outcome versus vehicle was seen in postmenopausal women (38% compared to 0%, p ≤ 0.001).

VANIQA statistically significantly reduced how bothered patients felt by their facial hair and by the time spent removing, treating or concealing facial hair. These patient-observable differences were seen as early as 8 weeks after initiating treatment. Hair growth approached pretreatment levels within 8 weeks of treatment withdrawal.

Clinical trials with VANIQA involved over 1370 women with unwanted facial hair of skin types I-VI, of whom 68% were White, 17% Black, 11% Hispanic-Latino, 2% Asian-Pacific Islander, 0.6% American Native, and 1.3% other.

This section contains important information about VANIQA that you should read before you begin treatment. This section does not list all the benefits and risks of VANIQA and does not take the place of discussions with your doctor or healthcare professional about your condition or your treatment. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare professional. The medicine described here can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Only your healthcare professional can determine if VANIQA is right for you.

What is VANlQA?

VANIQA (pronounced "VAN-i-ka") is a prescription medication applied to the skin for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women.

The active ingredient in VANIQA is eflornithine hydrochloride. VANIQA also contains ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, methylparaben, mineral oil, PEG-100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, stearyl alcohol and water.

How does VANIQA work?

VANIQA interferes with an enzyme found in the hair follicle of the skin needed for hair growth. This results in slower hair growth and improved appearance where VANIQA is applied.

VANIQA does not permanently remove hair or "cure" unwanted facial hair. It is not a depilatory. Your treatment program should include continuation of any hair removal technique you are currently using. VANIQA will help you manage your condition and improve your appearance.

Improvement in the condition occurs gradually. Don't be discouraged if you see no immediate improvement. Be patient. Improvement may be seen as early as 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. Improvement may take longer in some individuals. If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, discontinue use. Clinical studies show that in about 8 weeks after stopping treatment with VANIQA, the hair will return to the same condition as before beginning treatment.

Who should not use VANIQA?

You should not use VANIQA if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the cream. All ingredients are listed on the tube and at the beginning of this leaflet.

You should not use VANIQA if you are less than 12 years of age.

What should you tell your doctor before using VANIQA?

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, tell your doctor.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor whether you should use VANIQA during pregnancy. No clinical studies have been performed in pregnant women.

If you are breast feeding, consult your doctor before using VANIQA. It is not known if VANIQA is passed to infants through breast milk.

If you are taking any prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines or using any facial or skin creams, check with your physician before use of VANIQA.

How should I use VANIQA?

Use VANIQA only for the condition for which it was prescribed by your doctor. Do not give it to other people or allow other people to use it.

You will need to continue your normal procedures for hair removal until desired results have been achieved. You may then be less bothered by the time spent in removing hair or the frequency of hair removal. VANIQA is to be used twice daily, at least eight hours apart, or as directed by your doctor. VANIQA is for external use only.

Follow the instructions for application of VANIQA carefully. Apply a thin layer of VANIQA to the affected areas of the face and adjacent involved areas under the chin and rub in thoroughly. You should not wash the treatment areas for at least 4 hours after application of VANIQA.

VANIQA® may cause temporary red- ness, rash, burning, stinging or tingling, especially when the skin is damaged. If irritation continues, stop use of VANIQA and contact your doctor. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes or inside your nose or mouth. If the product gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

If you forget or miss a dose of VANIQA do not try to "make it up". Return to your normal application schedule as soon as you can.

You may use your normal cosmetics or sunscreen after applying VANIQA, but you should wait a few minutes to allow the treatment to be absorbed before applying them.

If your condition gets worse with treatment, stop use of VANIQA and contact your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of VANIQA?

VANIQA may cause temporary red- ness, stinging, burning, tingling or rash on areas of the skin where it is applied. Folliculitis (hair bumps) may also occur. If these persist, consult your doctor.

How should VANIQA be stored?

VANIQA should be stored at 15° C-30° C (59° F-86° F). Do not freeze.

Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

This medicine was prescribed for your particular condition. Do not use it for another condition or give it to anyone else.

This summary does not include every- thing there is to know about VANIQA. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information about VANIQA, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information upon which this leaflet is based. You may want to read it and discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional. Remember, no written summary can replace careful discussion with your doctor.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

EFLORNITHINE - TOPICAL

(eh-FLOOR-nith-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vaniqa

USES: This medication is used to slow down the growth of unwanted hair on the face and under the chin in women. It should not be used for hair on other parts of the body. It blocks a certain natural substance (an enzyme) that is needed for hair growth in the skin. This effect slows hair growth and may also make the hair finer and lighter. It does not remove hair or cause the hair to fall out.

This drug is not for use in children younger than 12 years.

HOW TO USE: This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Apply a thin layer of this medication only to the affected areas of the face and chin, and rub in well. It is usually applied twice daily at least 8 hours apart or as directed by your doctor. Do not apply for at least 5 minutes after hair removal (e.g., plucking, shaving). Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours.

Wash hands immediately after using this product. This medication is for use on the skin only. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse immediately with clean water. If this drug gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor.

Wait until the medication has dried completely before applying cosmetics, moisturizers, or sunscreens over the treated areas.

This product is not a hair removal product. Continue to use hair removal techniques (e.g., shaving, plucking) while using this medication. If you stop using this product, hair growth will return.

You should see some improvement in 4 to 8 weeks. This medication works slowly. Use exactly as directed. Do not use more of this product or use it more often. Your condition will not improve faster, and the risk of side effects will increase. Tell your doctor if your skin becomes red or irritated. Your doctor may direct you to apply the medication only once a day or stop the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, stinging, tingling, and redness of the skin may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: acne, "hair bumps" (folliculitis).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to eflornithine; or to any of this product's other ingredients (e.g., methylparaben); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: cuts/infections/sores on face.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of any skin care or hair removal products.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not apply more to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not freeze. Do not use after expiration date.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.