#12368 - 04/25/02 03:58 AM
Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 04/25/02
Posts: 3
Loc: UK
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Can anyone help me here. Why can men not use Vaniqa? (Just setting out! G.)
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#12369 - 04/25/02 06:39 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 03/22/02
Posts: 3938
Loc: Los Angeles
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quote:
Originally posted by Graeme:
Can anyone help me here. Why can men not use Vaniqa? (Just setting out! G.)
Hi Graeme--
Vaniqa hasn't been tested on men in any of the studies they have submitted to the US Food and Drug administration. Male facial hair growth is driven by much higher levels of androgens than most women have. That means that men probably wouldn't find it to be quite as effective. Because they have not tested it on men, there is no available data on whether or not it effects men differently-- no established success rates or rates of complications.
It also hasn't been tested on large areas (just the chin). In larger doses, there might be additional side effects from absorbing large amounts.
If you are considering Vaniqa, you might ask your physician about it. She or he may have additional insights. Many physicians will prescribe drugs for "off-label" use if they have reason to believe a patient may benefit. For instance, some doctors will write women prescriptions for the impotence drug Viagra, even though it has not been thoroughly tested on women.
Please check back after you've decided on a method and let us know your progress!
Take care,
Andrea
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#12370 - 04/26/02 03:25 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 04/25/02
Posts: 3
Loc: UK
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quote:
Originally posted by Andrea:
quote:
Originally posted by Graeme:
Can anyone help me here. Why can men not use Vaniqa? (Just setting out! G.)
Hi Graeme--
Vaniqa hasn't been tested on men in any of the studies they have submitted to the US Food and Drug administration. Male facial hair growth is driven by much higher levels of androgens than most women have. That means that men probably wouldn't find it to be quite as effective. Because they have not tested it on men, there is no available data on whether or not it effects men differently-- no established success rates or rates of complications.
It also hasn't been tested on large areas (just the chin). In larger doses, there might be additional side effects from absorbing large amounts.
If you are considering Vaniqa, you might ask your physician about it. She or he may have additional insights. Many physicians will prescribe drugs for "off-label" use if they have reason to believe a patient may benefit. For instance, some doctors will write women prescriptions for the impotence drug Viagra, even though it has not been thoroughly tested on women.
Please check back after you've decided on a method and let us know your progress!
Take care,
Andrea
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#12371 - 05/30/02 11:15 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 05/30/02
Posts: 4
Loc: Indian Rocks Beach, FL
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Hi! I have used vaniqua on and off for 1.5 years.. I have a love hate relationship with it.. It does work..hair growth is reduced.. however as soon as you stop within 2 weeks it is back to normal.. also it changes your hair.. it makes it tough, and hard to deal with.. when plucking it breaks instead of pulling out.. I quit using it because it caused so many ingrowns.. It really does work.. my hairs grew much slower, but they became different, tougher, brittel, and made a mess out of my face so I quit.. your milage may vary..
Hugs,
Metria
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#12382 - 06/02/02 03:11 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 05/30/02
Posts: 4
Loc: Indian Rocks Beach, FL
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The reason I plucked is because Although Vaniqua did slow the hair growth, it did not stop it. Where as before I had noticable growth after 8-10 hours, with Vaniqua it was 24-48 hours. The problem was that I started having numerous ingrowns and the blemishes were worse than the solution. I plucked to keep away the few dark hairs I have that show under the skin. (most are gray and don't show.) However rather than make my hair finer, it seemed to make it very brittle, so that it snapped off during plucking rather than coming out. I think this brittleness is what caused all the ingrowns. I no longer use the stuff as I said the belimishes it caused from ingrown (pimples) was worse than the slowing down of the hair growth. Does that help?
Hugs,
Metria
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#12384 - 06/02/02 03:14 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 05/30/02
Posts: 4
Loc: Indian Rocks Beach, FL
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PS.. The ingrowns were not caused by plucking alone.. these were areas that I did not pluck. I continue to pluck the dark hairs, and have no more problems with ingrowns since I quit using Vaniqua.
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#12385 - 06/02/02 03:18 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 05/30/02
Posts: 4
Loc: Indian Rocks Beach, FL
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For me the dark hairs remained dark and noticable, the light hairs never were, I never saw a change in hair color with Vaniqua, just hair structure (brittle). The only other difference I saw was a slow down in the growth rate.
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#12386 - 09/05/02 09:40 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 09/05/02
Posts: 1
Loc: Dayton, OH
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About one year ago, I did a six-month study of Vaniqa on myself. Not wanting to fool myself, I used it on the right side of my face only. After six months, I could tell no difference between the two sides of my face. *sigh*
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#12388 - 11/07/02 06:28 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 10/28/02
Posts: 5
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Can anyone advise how to get Vaniqua in UK? My doctor/pharmacist have no record of it and asked me to find the 'generic' name for Vaniqua and what it contains? Or are there any other similar products available in UK? Thanks
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#12389 - 11/07/02 11:34 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 03/22/02
Posts: 3938
Loc: Los Angeles
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The active ingredient is called eflornithine hydrochloride. Vaniqa is topical eflornithine HCl 13.9% in the US. It's made by Bristol Myers Squibb. You can sned them to vaniqa.com or print out the prescribing information for them: www.vaniqa.com/pdf/pi.pdf(PDF: requires a PDF reader)
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#12390 - 04/07/03 06:31 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 04/07/03
Posts: 4
Loc: edgewater NJ
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I am a MtoF transgendered person who has been using Vaniqa since Oct 2002 and have found that my beard growth has slowed by about 50%. I would estimate that that the amount of my facial hair has decreased by about a third and slowly continues to decrease. It is a long process but it certainly worth it.I do not take hormones.
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#12391 - 06/07/03 08:21 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 06/07/03
Posts: 1
Loc: Denver
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I am a 48 year old woman with hairs on my chinny-chin-chin.
I have been using Vaniqa for about a year and a half. It definitely makes a difference, but I still have to tweeze. As someone else said, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the stuff. I know I'd be even hairier if I didn't use Vaniqa, but it's costly and just one more thing I have to deal with, day in, day out.
I am a dishwater blonde with a bit of a mustache, which I periodically have waxed. I am leaning towards beginning a new regimen: just getting the chin hairs taken care of with the 'stache, and tweezing the rest of the time.
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#12392 - 04/23/04 08:11 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 04/07/03
Posts: 4
Loc: edgewater NJ
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It is now 18 months since I started using Vaniqa. I am down to about 30% of the facial hair I had before I started and it seems to be remaining at 30%. I also started using it on my arms and chest about six months ago and the result is about 75% reduction. I use about one tube a month. I make the Vaniqa go further by wetting the areas I apply it to first and them applying the Vaniqa.
I purchase the drug on line for about $40 per tube.
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#12393 - 04/28/04 08:52 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 04/28/04
Posts: 1
Loc: CA
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You say that you buy Vaniqua on line, is it available withour a prescription that way? My HMO will not prescribe it.
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#12394 - 04/14/05 04:14 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 04/07/03
Posts: 4
Loc: edgewater NJ
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I am a trangendered male and I do not take hormones. It has been about a year since my last post and my hair growth is at a status quo. There has been no discernable change in the past six months, perhaps longer. I continue to use Vaniqa and for the last four months have cut the application to once daily with no discernable increase in growth. To review, I use it on mr face, chest, legs and arms. My arms are reduced by about 75%, legs about 40%, chest 75%, face 50%. I use one tube a month and apply it after showering in the morning with my body still moist.
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#12395 - 12/06/05 09:22 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Registered: 12/01/05
Posts: 2
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Next! Hi, I'm also a transgendered M2F - no hormones - and I'm starting my 6th day of Vaniqa. (I was inspired after reading about Abby's experience here and Vickie's experience w/Vaniqa at the transsexual road map site - thanks Abby, Vickie and Andrea. I also read something else on the web about Vaniqa being used effectively for treating African-American males w/ingrown facial hairs). I'll try to post from time to time to let anyone that is interested whether I'm seeing any results. Wish me luck!
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#12396 - 12/15/05 03:41 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 01/28/05
Posts: 644
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Hi Tess:
I wish you luck with the Vaniqua.
I think that vaniqua will help with hair growth, but for a TS, the biggest area of concern is facial hair. Hormones will help to reduce the body hair over time, but not do much for facial hair. The product is marketed for women, and probably won't work as well on someone with male hair growth and hormone levels.
The only long term solution is either electrolysis, or laser in the case of those who that works well for.
Vaniqua can be expensive for long term use, and you will have to continue using it.
If you are planning on transitioning full time some day then you should look towards a permanent solution such as electrolysis for facial hair.
Alicia
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#12397 - 01/25/06 08:34 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Registered: 12/01/05
Posts: 2
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How time flies! I'm at the 8 week mark and I'm thrilled! Two major developments. First, the hair growth has been substantially slowed. If I don't shave for a couple of days, I have less growth than I used to after 24 hours. If I shave on sunday morning, for example, the growth that appears on tuesday morning is less than I used to have after 24 hours. I've been trying to pluck hairs (in addition to shaving) and that seems to really help. I'm getting very little growth - even on day 3 - above my lip, on my chin and on portions of my cheeks - areas that I've plucked pretty well. The neck area is stubborn (and more difficult to pluck). Still, I'm pretty excited - I don't think that I've hit a ceiling!
I'm also starting to used Neutorgena Healthy Skin face lotion - a few times a week. This product seems to really improve rough and uneven skin. I apply it either before I shave or a few hours after I apply the Vaniqa. Any suggestions? I don't want to interfere w/the chemicals that are contained in the Vaniqa. Thanks! Tess
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#12398 - 01/25/06 09:03 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 01/28/05
Posts: 644
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Hi Tess:
Have you ever considered electrolysis?
I have completed 105 hours of that after first completing 9 laser sessions. I am currently post-op, and on a small doseage of estrogen.
I have to let the hair grow out for at least 5 days before geting electrolysis, just so they have something to work with. What still grows is not readily visible. I can see a time in the near future when I will only need occasional touchups.I can get away with not wearing foundation, and have no more beard shadow.
I am not sure how much vaniqua costs, but it only works as long as you are using it. The hairs will come back, but more slowly. Once killed with electrolysis they are gone forever. How much does vaniqua cost you per month?
Plucking can lead to ingrown hairs, so be careful there.
Alicia
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#12399 - 03/12/06 12:47 PM
Re: Vaniqa
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Member
Registered: 04/07/03
Posts: 4
Loc: edgewater NJ
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I stopped using Vaniqa about six months ago because of an unrelated skin condition. I wanted to see if I discontinued Vaniqa whether it would go away. It didn't and I had to visit a dermitologist to treat it. I haven't resumed the Vaniqa but basically on the parts of my body where it was most effective, arms and chest, the hair growth remains substantially reduced with no signs of increased regrowth.
Mr face is harder to gauge but beard regrowth is still slower than before I started using Vaniqa. I willl eventually resume using it and I am contemplating laser. I don't know whether it is allowed here but could anyone recommend a laser specialist in No Jersey who works with the TG community?
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#12400 - 03/15/06 03:37 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 01/28/05
Posts: 644
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Hi Abby:
I think if you check the referrals area, you may find someone who does laser in NJ. Also try the transgendered/transsexual area of this board.
Many electrolygists and laser people treat trans patients. I started off as a regular male patient, then when it came time to transition to full time, told my electrolygist the ful story. She was great about the whole thing, and it turns out she has a couple of other trans clients.
Another source to check out for a referral is if you have a local TG club in your area. The laser and electrology people usually advertise through them, especially if they are trans friendly.
Good luck.
Alicia
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#12401 - 08/11/06 04:55 AM
Re: Vaniqa
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Contributor
Registered: 08/11/06
Posts: 20
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Quote:
Can anyone advise how to get Vaniqua in UK? My doctor/pharmacist have no record of it and asked me to find the 'generic' name for Vaniqua and what it contains? Or are there any other similar products available in UK? Thanks
Is Vaniqa available in Asia? If yes, who is the manufacturer and is it an OTC product?
_________________________
Info & reviews of Waxing, depilatory creams, tweezing, shaving, electrolyis, laser hair removal and other hair removal methods available at http://www.hairremoval.in
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#42238 - 05/18/07 10:50 AM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: hairr]
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Member
Registered: 05/18/07
Posts: 1
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Hello all! Bit of background before asking my question. I'm mid 20, female and have always had a pretty bad facial hair problem that has gotten worse over time (black and coarse over neck, chin, cheeks and upper lip). For about 10 years I'd been plucking the areas and would spend an hour and usually not completely happy with how it looked (would always leave bumps over the entire area which I would cover with make-up and that never looked great either) so for about a month now I've been shaving and besides loving how fast it is, my skin is smoother and make-up looks nicer on. Recently went to a doctor for the first time in a very long time to discuss this problem and she immediately felt I have PCOS. I'll be seeing a Endocrinologist soon to find out for sure. In the meantime my doctor recommended Vaniqa and I'm excited to see any improvement. My question is should I pluck the areas for better results or will shaving be sufficient? Thanks ahead of time for any feedback!
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#42259 - 05/18/07 06:39 PM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: Tashani]
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 5249
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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Vaniqa is a temporary measure. Is this something you are seeking to do forever? You will have to buy the Vaniqa and apply it twice a day for the rest of your life? I hope this works for you, since you have black, coarse hair all over your face.
If you get tired of the Vaniqa and shaving/plucking routine, your next step and best step is find a skilled electrologist and be done with this kind of scene forever. Electrolysis is perfect for someone like you and will relieve you of the tiresome burden and expense of chasing hair forever. (think of a hamster on a wheel)
Just being honest and cutting to the chase about what works. I'm dismayed that your doctor didn't mention something permanent like electrolysis. How little they know.
Dee
_________________________
Dee Fahey, R.N., C.T.
Licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio for Nursing license and Cosmetic Therapy/Electrolysis license
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#55428 - 08/26/08 09:22 PM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: LAgirl]
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Major Contributor
Registered: 11/05/06
Posts: 183
Loc: Willoughby, OH
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Has anyone else experienced the hairs becoming tougher and more brittle or changing at all in texture? I have been seeing good results from electrolysis since i started in November 07 but my blonde, fine chin hairs come in so quickly that I'm thinking of using vaniqa again only on that area in conjunction with electrolysis. I am down to only 1 long electrologist visit a month and she lives far away so it would be nice to slow down the growth during the "in between" times.
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#55431 - 08/27/08 05:19 AM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: alli]
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 5249
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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You have been going less than a year. The chin is a target area for hormones and hair there can be more resilient. Hair growth cycles for blond fine hair is a lot longer than for thicker hair structures. I see no need to use Vaniqa, alli, for those small blond hairs if you are getting clearance each time you go in. Keep faithful and remember that you are seeing progress.
Dee
_________________________
Dee Fahey, R.N., C.T.
Licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio for Nursing license and Cosmetic Therapy/Electrolysis license
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#69592 - 02/04/10 08:04 PM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: Andrea]
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Contributor
Registered: 02/04/10
Posts: 11
Loc: New York
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Does anyone know how the eflornithine hydrochloride affects the hair growth cells? How does it do what it does exactly?
I understand it also activates the sebum-producing glands from previous posts...
_________________________
Laser for +5 years
All areas treated or under treatment
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#69593 - 02/04/10 08:16 PM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: Gabi]
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 10/19/05
Posts: 376
Loc: Kansas
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The very simple explanation is that Vaniqa neutralizes the enzyme that "some" people (not all) have in their skin. This enzyme is sensitive to the androgens that are part of the normal hormones in a woman's body. As a result of this sensitivity, the hair follicles in the enzyme influenced areas are "turned on" by the androgens and grow accelerated vellus and then terminal hairs.
_________________________
Barbara Greathouse, CPE
Kansas Licensed since 1980
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#69623 - 02/05/10 07:38 AM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: Barbara_CPE]
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Contributor
Registered: 02/04/10
Posts: 11
Loc: New York
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Thank you Barbara, that's really interesting.. http://www.haircareinformation.com/nutrition-healthy-hair/female-hair-growth-enzyme.php"Growth of androgen-dependent hairs are influenced in several ways by: (a) decreasing androgen production, (b) blocking testosterone transformation to 5- α-DHT, (c) blocking androgen receptors" It seems there are many other substances that could interfere with the hair growth process...... "Retinoic acid reduces the number of androgen receptors by 30-40%."
_________________________
Laser for +5 years
All areas treated or under treatment
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#70346 - 02/24/10 06:12 AM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: LAgirl]
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Contributor
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 22
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So after 5pages can we conclude that vaniqa won't work for men?
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#70351 - 02/24/10 07:37 AM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: feeding]
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 5249
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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The manufacturer intends their product to be for women's facial fine, facial hair.
_________________________
Dee Fahey, R.N., C.T.
Licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio for Nursing license and Cosmetic Therapy/Electrolysis license
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#70434 - 02/26/10 06:29 AM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: dfahey]
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Contributor
Registered: 08/26/09
Posts: 22
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#70436 - 02/26/10 06:34 AM
Re: Vaniqa
[Re: feeding]
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Top 10 Contributor
Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 5249
Loc: Columbus, Ohio
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You are very welcome.
_________________________
Dee Fahey, R.N., C.T.
Licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio for Nursing license and Cosmetic Therapy/Electrolysis license
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