Authors' objectives:

To summarise the current research evidence on the effectiveness of eflornithine hydrochloride cream for hirsutism.

Authors' recommendations: Eflornithine cream, a new treatment for hirsutism in woman is in the final stages of development. There is evidence of efficacy although treatment needs to be continued for long-term effectiveness. - Clinical impact: The introduction of eflornithine may have a significant impact on individual women but is likely to have very little overall clinical impact. - Service impact: The use of eflornithine to treat facial hirsutism will have little service impact, although more women with hirsutism may re-present to primary care and dermatologist once an effective therapy is available. - Patient issues: There is the risk medicalisation of an issue not previously in the clinical sphere with the introduction of eflornithine. - Financial and overall NHS impact: It is not possible to estimate the financial impact on the NHS. Eflornithine is likely to be a substitute for other therapies in some instances, and is a long-term treatment.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2001

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/search

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: National Horizon Scanning Centre