Drug Name

Danazol (Danazol)

Drug Uses

This medication is a synthetic hormone. It is used to treat pain and infertility caused by endometriosis, a condition involving the tissue of the uterus. It is also used in the treatment of cysts or lumps in the breast or may be prescribed for heavy menstrual flow.

How Taken

This medication must be taken as directed. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. You must take for full length of therapy. You may be asked to visit your doctor regularly to make sure the drug is working properly. Usual treatment starts with 100mg three times a day. Increase to 200mg three times a day if tolerated. Watch blood pressure, liver function tests and blood sugar levels.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Danazol is a synthetic androgen (male sex hormone.) It disrupts the action of the pituitary gland by suppressing the output of some hormones which causes the reduction of estrogen, halts menses and promotes the growth of facial hair and acne. Danazol is considered a second line treatment. The response rate has been about 30%. (Ref 1).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Warnings/Precautions

Danazol must not be used during pregnancy. It is recommended a pregnancy test to be performed before starting use of this drug. Effective, non-hormonal birth control measures (such as diaphragms and condoms) should be used while using danazol. Danazol may cause heart or circulation problems (blood clots), liver problems or increase pressure on the brain. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following: one-sided weakness, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, arm or leg pain, breathing trouble, chest pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, dizziness, fainting, swelling, stomach pain, head pain. While you take danazol, tell your doctor if you have: migraine headaches, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, breast cancer, abnormal bleeding, strokes, prostate cancer, other illnesses, allergies (especially drug allergies). If dizziness or blurred vision occurs, use caution engaging in activities, requiring alertness. Extreme caution is advised for use in children. Pediatric specialist consultation is also advised. Geriatric men are at the increased risk of developing the enlarged prostate and prostate cancer with the use of androgen-like drugs. Use of non-hormonal contraceptives such as a condom, diaphragm or sponge is recommended while taking this drug and until you have had at least one menstrual period after stopping the drug. Danazol can cause menstrual periods to stop entirely but they usually resume within two to three months after danazol treatment. This drug must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Breast feeding should be avoided while using this drug.

Possible Side Effects

May cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, appetite changes, stomach upset, bloating, or anxiety. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported include oily skin, weight gain, flushing, changes in sleep patterns, change in sex drive, muscle cramps, chills, fluid retention in the hands or feet or nasal congestion. Notify your doctor if any of these become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you experience: depression, hot flashes, deepening of the voice, abnormal growth of fine body hair or facial hair, vision changes, yellowing of the eyes or skin, one-sided weakness, slurred speech. Women often experience no or irregular menstrual periods while taking this medication. Menstrual periods usually return within 90 days of stopping the drug. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: acne; dark-colored urine; increased oiliness of hair or skin; muscle cramps or spasms; swelling of feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight gain (rapid); bleeding gums; bloating, pain or tenderness of abdomen or stomach; blood in urine; burning, numbness, pain, or tingling in all fingers except the smallest finger; changes in vision; chest pain; chills; complete or partial numbness or weakness on one side of body; cough; coughing up blood; diarrhea; difficulty in speaking; difficulty in swallowing; discharge from nipple; eye pain; fast heartbeat; fever; headache; hives or other skin rash; joint pain; light-colored stools; loss of appetite (continuing); loss of muscle coordination; more frequent nosebleeds; muscle aches; nausea; purple- or red-colored, or other spots on body or inside the mouth or nose; restlessness; shortness of breath; sore throat; sweating; tingling, numbness, or weakness in legs, which may move upward to arms, trunk, or face; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness, weakness, or general feeling of illness; vomiting; yellow eyes or skin; decrease in breast size; irregular menstrual periods; weight gain; enlarged clitoris; hoarseness or deepening of voice; unnatural hair growth; changes in semen; decrease in size of testicles. Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: flushing or redness of skin; mood or mental changes; nervousness; increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight; burning, dryness, or itching of vagina; vaginal bleeding. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.