DANAZOL (DanocrineŽ) slows production of the female hormone estrogen. Danazol is a man-made steroid that has similar actions to androgens, or male sex hormones. Danazol relieves the symptoms of endometriosis by shrinking the abnormal tissue, which forms a lining to the womb. Danazol can reduce the growth of abnormal breast tissue and is helpful in the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease. Danazol also treats a disorder that affects both men and women called hereditary angioedema, which causes swelling and pain in the arms, legs, face, throat, colon, or reproductive (sex) organs
Danazol is a derivative of the synthetic steroid ethisterone, a modified tostesterone. It relieves the symptoms of endometriosis by shrinking the abnormal tissue, which forms a lining to the womb. Danazol is also used to treat hereditary angiodema, which causes swelling and pain in the arms, legs, face, throat, colon, or reproductive organs.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to danazol, other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances
breast cancer
unusual vaginal bleeding
heart disease
seizures (convulsions)
kidney or liver disease
porphyria
migraine
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions
Follow the directions on the prescription label
Take your doses at regular intervals
Do not stop taking Danazol until you are told so by your doctor
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can
Avoid taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
Visit your doctor regularly for checks on your progress.
Do not take contraceptive birth pills while you are taking danazol.
Danazol can affect your menstrual cycle and you may stop having menstrual periods. These will normalize in 2-3 months.
What medicines may interact with Danazol?
ticlopidine
agents that dissolve blood clots
tacrolimus
aspirin or aspirin-like medicines
sirolimus
warfarin
heparin
red yeast rice
carbamazepine
paricalcitol
clopidogrel
medicines for diabetes
cyclosporine
medicines for high cholesterol
doxercalciferol
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
yellowing of the skin or eyes
changes in vision
weight gain
changes in ovulation
voice changes (deepening or hoarseness)
dark yellow or brown urine
unusual weakness or tiredness
decrease in breast size
unusual swelling if feet or ankles
unusual bleeding or bruising
difficulty passing urine or blood in the urine
stomach pain
hair loss or unusual hair growth (such as facial hair growth in women)
skin rash or itching
headache
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, inclufing inside mouth
irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting
nausea, vomiting
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
vaginal dryness or irritation
acne, oily skin
mood changes
hot flashes, sweating
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
