Eflornithine: what it treats, how to use it, side effects
Last updated September 7, 2026.
**Eflornithine cream is a prescription hair growth inhibitor in the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor class.** It blocks an enzyme involved in hair growth. Use the cream only on your skin, keeping it away from your eyes and mouth.
What does it treat?
This page covers cream for unwanted facial hair in women, including upper lip and chin hair. You still need shaving or another removal method. Eflornithine also comes as Iwilfin tablets to reduce relapse risk after specified treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma; those require an oncology team's separate dosing and monitoring plan.
How do you take it?
Apply a thin layer of 13.9% cream to affected facial skin and adjoining areas under your chin twice daily, at least 8 hours apart. Do not exceed two applications daily unless directed; the label gives no maximum in grams. Wait 5 minutes after hair removal and 4 hours before washing treated skin. Meals do not matter. Skip missed applications rather than doubling. Stop and contact your doctor for persistent irritation, worsening symptoms, or no improvement after 6 months.
Side effects to know
- Common: You may notice stinging, burning, tingling, redness, acne, or ingrown hair bumps.
- Serious: Stop using the cream and get prompt medical help for severe skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Tongue swelling or trouble breathing requires 911.
Who should not take it?
Do not use the cream if you are allergic to its ingredients. Discuss severe acne, damaged skin, other skin treatments, pregnancy, and breastfeeding before starting. Pregnancy safety and passage into breast milk are unknown; the label advises considering avoiding or stopping treatment during pregnancy. No specific alcohol restriction appears in the cream label.
When is it an emergency?
For swallowed cream or excessive application, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 without waiting for symptoms. A specific cream overdose symptom pattern is not established. Call 911 for collapse, seizures, breathing trouble, or throat swelling.
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Common questions
What is the maximum cream dose?
Use a thin layer twice daily. Separate applications by at least 8 hours. The label does not specify a maximum number of grams.
Can I drink alcohol?
The cream label lists no specific alcohol restriction. That does not establish a safe drinking amount. Your other medicines or conditions may require avoiding alcohol.
Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Discuss this before starting. The label advises considering avoiding or stopping the cream during pregnancy. Breast milk transfer is unknown, so breastfeeding requires a clinician's review.
Does food affect it?
Meals do not affect your application schedule. You can continue your usual diet. Never swallow the cream.
What are overdose signs?
There is no established symptom pattern for cream overdose. Swallowing it or using extremely large amounts needs Poison Control advice at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for collapse or breathing trouble.
Can I combine it with other facial products?
Interactions with other topical medicines are unknown. Have your clinician review your skin products. Apply cosmetics or sunscreen after the cream dries.