Generic Name:Danocrine,Danazol 50mg/100mg/200mg
Brand name Danol
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Danazol is a synthetic steroid hormone that inhibits hormones called pituitary gonadotrophins. It has a number of effects on the endocrine system.
It is used in a range of conditions, including endometriosis (fragments of endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus), menstrual disorders such as menorrhagia, some cases of breast pain, and, in men, to reduce breast swelling (gynaecomastia).
Danazol has also been used, long term, to treat hereditary angioedema (a rare allergic disorder that causes facial swelling).
Danazol is also used to relieve pain, tenderness, and lumpiness in the breasts caused by fibrocystic disease. Treatment commonly disrupts normal menstrual periods and in some cases periods may stop altogether. Other adverse effects include nausea, rash, dizziness, and flushing. Women taking high doses may notice unusual hair growth and deepening of the voice.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Frequency and timing of doses
2-4 x daily.
Adult dosage range
200-800mg daily, depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and the response to the drug. Onset of effect
Some effects occur after a few days. Full beneficial effects may take some months.
Duration of action
1-2 days.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drug for menstrual disorders
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Danazol rarely causes adverse effects in low doses. Adverse effects from higher doses, including acne, weight gain, and nausea, are the result of hormonal changes. Voice changes and unusual hair growth in women are largely reversed after treatment.
INTERACTIONS
Oral anticoagulant drugs Danazol may increase the effects of these drugs.
Oral antidiabetic drugs Danazol may reduce the effects of these drugs.
Anticonvulsant drugs The effects of these drugs may be altered by danazol.
Cyclosporin Danazol may increase the effects of cyclosporin.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart disease.
You have had epileptic fits.
You suffer from unexplained vaginal bleeding.
You have diabetes mellitus.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not prescribed. May cause masculine characteristics in a female baby. Pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months after cessation of treatment.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
Unlikely to be required.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
No known problems.
PROLONGED USE
The drug is normally taken for 3-9 months depending on the condition being treated. There is a slight risk of liver damage. See also Possible adverse effects, left.
Monitoring Periodic liver function tests may be carried out.
