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Danazol Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Synthetic hormone; synthetic androgen.

How the Danazol products Works:

Danazol blocks the release of gonadotropin, a hormone secreted from the pituitary gland. The result of this blocking effect is to depress the output of two other hormones, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). FSH and LH are important in many functions of the sex glands, including ovulation.

Uses of The Danazol:

  • To treat endometriosis (an abnormal condition involving the inner lining of the uterus).

  • To treat fibrocystic breast disease (cysts or lumps in the breast).

  • To treat hereditary angioedema (swelling of the abdominal organs and tissue, extremities, throat, and airway).

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe danazol for early puberty, development of breasts (in males), and heavy menstrual flow. It has also been studied for the treatment of anemia.

  • Diabetes: Insulin requirements may increase. Abnormal glucose (sugar) tolerance tests may occur. Monitor urine and blood sugar levels.

  • Fluid retention: Danazol can cause fluid retention, which may aggravate epilepsy, migraine, or heart or kidney disease. Use with caution.

  • Women: Women taking danazol may experience masculinizing effects, including acne, edema (fluid retention), increased hair growth, decrease in breast size, deepening of the voice, oily skin or hair, weight gain, and enlargement of the ciltoris. These effects may not go away when the drug is stopped.

  • Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Masculinization of a female fetus may occur.

  • Breastfeeding: Do not use if you are breastfeeding.

  • Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

  • Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor treatment. Tests include urine and blood sugar levels.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:

  • Carbamazepine (eg, Tegretol)

  • Insulin warfarin (eg, Coumadin)

Side Effects of The Danazol:

  • Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility.

  • If you experience any effects different from those listed, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist. It could be a sign of a rare or unusual side effect that requires treatment. Possible side effects include:

  • Masculinizing Androgenic Effects - Acne; fluid retention (edema); decrease in breast size; deepening of the voice; mild abnormal growth of fine body hair; oily skin or hair; weight gain; menstrual changes or pain; hair loss; hoarseness; sore throat.

  • Signs of Low Estrogen Levels - Flushing; sweating; vaginitis (itching, dryness, burning, and vaginal bleeding); nervousness; emotional instability.

  • Men - Reduction in sperm count; semen changes (decreased volume and viscosity).

  • Miscellaneous - Liver dysfunction; yellowing of the skin; abnormal lab tests; severe headache (intra cranial hypertension); nausea; vomiting; vision disturbances; hives; itching; rash; blood clots; fatigue; sleep disorder; anxiety, constipation; joint pain.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

  • Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.

  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Notify your doctor if you experience masculinizing effects (eg, abnormal growth of facial or fine body hair, deepening of the voice).

  • Notify your doctor if you experience headache, breast swelling, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

  • Females- Begin treatment during menstruation. Use non hormonal contraceptive measures (eg, condom, diaphragm) during therapy. Discontinue use if pregnancy is suspected. It is essential that therapy for endometriosis continues uninterrupted for 3 to 6 months, but it may be extended to 9 months.

  • Lab tests may be required to monitor treatment. Be sure to keep appointments.

  • Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature (68 to 77 F).