WARNING

Danazol is a medication primarily used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema. While effective for these conditions, it also carries some risks. Here are a few:

• Androgenic Effects: Danazol can cause androgenic side effects such as acne, oily skin, and increased facial or body hair growth.
• Menstrual Irregularities: It often disrupts the menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
• Weight Gain: Some individuals may experience weight gain while taking danazol.
• Liver Function: Danazol can affect liver function, so regular monitoring of liver enzymes is necessary.
• Cholesterol Levels: It may elevate cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Fluid Retention: Danazol can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling or edema, particularly in the extremities.
• Mood Changes: Some individuals may experience mood changes, including depression or anxiety, while taking danazol.
• Birth Defects: Danazol can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy, so it’s essential to use effective contraception while taking this medication.
• Potential for Blood Clots: There may be an increased risk of blood clot formation, particularly in individuals with a history of clotting disorders or those who smoke.

It’s crucial for individuals considering danazol to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider and weigh them against the potential benefits of treatment. Regular monitoring and communication with a healthcare provider can help mitigate some of these risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Danazol is prescribed for several medical conditions, including:

• Endometriosis: It’s used to relieve symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and infertility associated with endometriosis. Danazol works by suppressing ovulation and reducing estrogen levels, which helps to shrink endometrial tissue.
• Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Danazol can alleviate breast pain and tenderness associated with fibrocystic breast disease by reducing breast nodularity and fluid retention.
• Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): It’s used for the prevention of swelling attacks in individuals with hereditary angioedema, a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling in various parts of the body.

How should this medicine be used?

How Danazol should be used:

• Dosage: The dosage of danazol varies depending on the condition being treated and individual patient response. It’s typically taken orally in capsule form.
• Timing: For endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease, danazol is usually taken in divided doses with meals or at bedtime to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. For hereditary angioedema, it may be taken as a single daily dose.
• Duration: Treatment duration with danazol varies based on the condition being treated and individual response to therapy. It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the duration of treatment.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of liver function tests, lipid levels, and other relevant parameters may be necessary during danazol therapy to monitor for potential side effects and assess treatment efficacy.
• Contraception: Since danazol can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy, it’s crucial for sexually active individuals of childbearing age to use effective contraception while taking this medication and for a certain period after discontinuation.

As with any medication, it’s essential to take danazol exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to promptly report any concerning side effects or symptoms. Discontinuing danazol abruptly without medical supervision can lead to adverse effects, so it’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s guidance regarding dosage adjustments or discontinuation.

Other uses for this medicine

• Hereditary angioedema (HAE): Danazol helps prevent attacks of swelling in people with this condition by increasing the amount of a certain protein in the blood.
• Thrombocytopenia: In some cases, Danazol may be used to increase platelet counts in patients with low platelet levels.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions to follow for danazol:

• Pregnancy: Danazol can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during danazol therapy and for a period after discontinuation. If pregnancy occurs while taking danazol, treatment should be discontinued immediately, and the patient should be advised of the potential risks to the fetus.
• Liver function: Danazol can affect liver function, so liver function tests should be monitored regularly during therapy. Individuals with pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes may require closer monitoring or dose adjustments.
• Lipid levels: Danazol may elevate cholesterol levels, so lipid profiles should be monitored regularly during therapy. Lifestyle modifications or lipid-lowering medications may be necessary to manage elevated cholesterol levels.
• Fluid retention: Danazol can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling or edema. Individuals with a history of fluid retention or conditions such as heart failure or renal impairment may be at increased risk and should be monitored closely.
• Androgenic effects: Danazol can cause androgenic side effects such as acne, oily skin, and increased facial or body hair growth. These effects may be dose-dependent and reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.
• Interactions: Danazol may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus. It’s important to inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Breastfeeding: Danazol is excreted in breast milk and may cause harm to nursing infants. Breastfeeding is not recommended during danazol therapy.

Patients should adhere to the prescribed dosage and schedule, report any unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare provider promptly, and attend regular follow-up appointments for monitoring and adjustment of therapy as needed.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with danazol use. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can help manage potential side effects such as elevated cholesterol levels. Patients should aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined sugars.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of danazol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. It’s important to maintain a consistent dosing schedule to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Danazol, like any medication, can cause side effects. Some common side effects include:

• Androgenic Effects: Danazol can lead to androgenic side effects such as acne, oily skin, and increased facial or body hair growth.
• Menstrual Irregularities: It often disrupts the menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), or breakthrough bleeding.
• Weight Gain: Some individuals may experience weight gain while taking danazol.
• Fluid Retention: Danazol can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling or edema, particularly in the extremities.
• Mood Changes: Some individuals may experience mood changes, including depression, anxiety, or irritability, while taking danazol.
• Liver Function Abnormalities: Danazol can affect liver function, leading to elevated liver enzymes or liver toxicity in some cases.
• Cholesterol Changes: It may elevate cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect of danazol therapy.
• Hot Flashes: Some individuals may experience hot flashes or flushing while taking danazol.
• Decreased Breast Size: Danazol can cause decreased breast size (breast atrophy) in some individuals.
• Voice Changes: Rarely, danazol may cause deepening of the voice (hoarseness) in females.
• Muscle Cramps: Some individuals may experience muscle cramps while taking danazol.
• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or insomnia may occur as a side effect of danazol.
• Nervousness: Some individuals may experience nervousness or jitteriness while taking danazol.
• Visual Changes: Rarely, danazol may cause visual changes such as blurry vision or changes in color perception.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may experience side effects not listed here. If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects while taking danazol, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider promptly. They can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting your treatment regimen if necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Danazol:

• Storage: Danazol should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Unused or expired danazol should be disposed of properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Contact a pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for guidance on proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect an overdose of danazol or experience symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
• Treatment: Treatment for danazol overdose is typically supportive and symptomatic. This may include monitoring vital signs, providing respiratory support if necessary, and administering medications to manage symptoms.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of liver function tests, lipid levels, and other relevant parameters while taking danazol to monitor for potential side effects and assess treatment efficacy.
• Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to evaluate your response to danazol therapy and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment regimen.
• Contraindications: Danazol is contraindicated in pregnant individuals and those with a history of hypersensitivity to danazol or other similar medications. It should also be used with caution in individuals with pre-existing liver disease, lipid disorders, or other medical conditions.
• Drug Interactions: Danazol may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Patient Education: Be sure to understand how to take danazol properly, including dosage instructions, potential side effects, and what to do if you miss a dose. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.