Florexa
Florexa (eflornithine) is a prescription cream used to reduce unwanted facial hair in women. It belongs to a group of medications called ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors. The cream is applied to the face and nearby areas under the chin twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. It doesn’t remove hair right away, so you’ll usually keep using your regular hair removal routine while it starts working. Common side effects include acne, stinging skin, and burning skin.
What is Florexa (eflornithine)?
What is Florexa (eflornithine) used for?
How Florexa (eflornithine) works
Florexa (eflornithine) is an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor. It's thought to block an enzyme in your skin called ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). This enzyme helps cells make substances involved in hair growth. By blocking ODC, Florexa (eflornithine) slows how quickly facial hair grows.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Florexa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Florexa (eflornithine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Acne
- Stinging skin
- Burning skin
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Redness
- Tingling skin
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Razor bumps or ingrown hairs
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Facial swelling
Florexa (eflornithine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing
Pros and cons of Florexa (eflornithine)
Pros
- Non-hormonal option for unwanted facial hair
- Applied right to the face and under the chin
- Can be used with your usual hair removal routine
Cons
- Doesn’t remove hair right away or permanently
- Needs to be used twice a day
- Can sting, burn, or irritate the skin
Pharmacist tips for Florexa (eflornithine)
- Use Florexa (eflornithine) twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. This helps keep the medication working steadily. Using it regularly can help you get the most benefit from treatment.
- Keep using your usual hair removal methods while taking Florexa (eflornithine). It slows new hair growth but doesn't remove hair that's already there, so you might still need to shave, pluck, or use other methods.
- Give Florexa (eflornithine) time to work. You might notice improvement after 4 to 8 weeks, but if you don't see any improvement after 6 months, tell your prescriber.
- Don’t apply Florexa (eflornithine) to broken or irritated skin. Doing so can cause more stinging, burning, or irritation.
- Pregnancy: Talk to your prescriber before using Florexa (eflornithine) if you’re pregnant. There isn't enough information to know whether it's safe during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding: Talk to your prescriber before using Florexa (eflornithine) if you're breastfeeding. It's not known whether the medication passes into breast milk.
- Storage: Keep Florexa (eflornithine) below 86°F (30°C). Protect the cream from high temperatures.
How to use Florexa (eflornithine)
- Apply the cream to clean, dry skin. Spread a thin layer over the affected areas of your face and under your chin, then rub it in well.
- Don’t wash the treated skin for at least 4 hours after applying the cream. This gives it time to absorb.
- Wait at least 5 minutes after removing facial hair before applying the cream. This can help reduce stinging or burning after shaving, plucking, or waxing.
- Let the cream absorb before using other skin products. Wait a few minutes before applying cosmetics or sunscreen so you don’t wipe it away too soon.
Risks and warnings for Florexa (eflornithine)
Florexa (eflornithine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious allergic reactions
Florexa (eflornithine) can cause an allergic reaction. Stop using the cream and get medical help right away if you develop hives, swelling, trouble breathing, or a severe rash. Tell your prescriber about milder skin reactions, especially if they don't go away or get worse.
Florexa (eflornithine) dosage
Typical dosage for Florexa (eflornithine)
Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of the face and under the chin twice a day, at least 8 hours apart.
Florexa (eflornithine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Florexa (eflornithine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Children younger than 12 years old
