Eflornithine cream combined with laser therapy in the management of unwanted facial hair growth in women: a randomized trial.
BACKGROUND
Eflornithine cream is approved for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women. The mechanism of action for eflornithine is reduction in follicular cell growth rate, while laser photoepilation heats hair and adjacent tissues to suspend growth.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of eflornithine or vehicle with laser therapy in the treatment of unwanted facial hair in women.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized to treatment with eflornithine on one side of the face and vehicle on the contralateral side for 34 weeks. Subjects received Nd:YAG or alexandrite laser therapy to both sides of the face at Weeks 2 and 10. Blinded evaluations included left to right comparisons and appearance relative to baseline.


RESULTS
Fifty-four women completed the trial. From Weeks 6 through 22, eflornithine-treated sides showed significant reduction in hair growth. By Week 34, no significant differences were seen. Subject grading showed significant and persistent hair reduction through Week 34 for eflornithine-treated sides. The safety profile for combination therapy is similar to eflornithine alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Eflornithine is safely used in conjunction with laser hair removal treatments and promotes more rapid hair removal when combined with laser treatment. Patients demonstrate a clear preference for treatment with laser and eflornithine.
Smith
Stacy R
SR
Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, USA. ssmith@therapeuticsresearch.com
Piacquadio
Daniel J
DJ
Beger
Brian
B
Littler
Curt
C
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000518:Eflornithine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009824:Ointments; D000518:Eflornithine