Danazol
DANAZOL – ORAL (DAY-nuh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Danocrine
WARNING: Danazol must not be used during pregnancy. It is recommended a pregnancy test 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:
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 TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: 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.
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 or vision changes while taking this medication. Also, report yellowing of the eyes/skin, one-sided weakness or 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 dizziness or blurred vision occurs, use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take danazol, tell your doctor if you have migraine headaches, heart, liver, or kidney disease, or a history of seizures or breast cancer. Also, abnormal bleeding, previous strokes, prostate cancer or any other diseases. Extreme caution is advised for use in children. Pediatric specialist consultation is also advised. Geriatric men are at increased risk of developing 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.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
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.
