Drug Status in USA : Approved Drug Status in Canada : Approved
pronunciation
pronounced as (da' na zole)
Why is this medication prescribed?
Danazol is used to treat endometriosis, a disease that causes infertility, pain before and during menstrual periods, pain during and after sexual activity, and heavy or irregular bleeding. Danazol is also used in fibrocystic breast disease to reduce breast pain, tenderness, and nodules (lumps). Danazol is also used to prevent attacks of angioedema in both males and females.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Danazol comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day. Women should take the first dose during a menstrual period and take it continuously thereafter. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take danazol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking danazol without talking to your doctor. If you have fibrocystic breast disease, breast pain and tenderness usually improve during the first month that you take danazol and go away in 2 to 3 months; nodules should improve in 4 to 6 months.
What are the precautions to be followed?
Before taking danzaol,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to danazol or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); diabetes medications such as insulin; medications to prevent seizures, especially carbamazepine (Tegretol); and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had migraine headaches; heart, liver, or kidney disease; seizures (epilepsy); or a history of stroke, blood clots, or breast cancer.
What are possible side effects of this medication ?
Danazol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
acne
decrease in breast size
deepening of the voice, hoarseness, or sore throat
weight gain
swelling (water retention and bloating)
oily skin or hair
hair growth in unusual amounts and places
flushing
sweating
vaginal dryness, burning, itching, or bleeding
nervousness
depression
irritability
absence of menstrual cycle, spotting, or change in menstrual cycle
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
skin rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
persistent headache
persistent upset stomach
vomiting
visual disturbances
persistent abdominal pain
for males, frequent, prolonged, or painful penile erections
How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Drug Category/Class
Estrogen Antagonists
Sex Hormones and Modulators of the Genital System
Genito Urinary System and Sex Hormones
Antigonadotropins and Similar Agents
CYP3A4 Inhibitors
Antigonadotropins and similar agents
Prescribed
For the treatment of endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease (in patients unresponsive to simple measures). Also used for the prophylactic tre...