Overview: Danazol is used to treat endometriosis or hereditary angioedema. It works by regulating the levels of certain hormones in the body. Common side effects can include male hormone effects (such as weight gain, acne, or voice changes) and changes in menstrual periods. Serious side effects may include blood clots or liver damage. Keep all appointments for blood tests while you are taking danazol.
Uses
What is danazol used for?
Danazol is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Endometriosis, which is a condition where tissue that’s similar to the lining inside your uterus grows outside of it, causing swelling and inflammation
- Hereditary angioedema (HAE), which is a rare genetic condition that causes sudden swelling under the skin and lining of various parts of your body, such as the gut, lungs, mouth, or throat
Danazol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does danazol work (mechanism of action)?
Danazol works by regulating the levels of certain hormones in your body. It helps manage endometriosis by shrinking and inactivating abnormal tissue growth. It helps manage hereditary angioedema by preventing disease attacks and correcting the chemical imbalance in the body caused by the genetic condition.
How is danazol supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Danocrine
Dosage forms and strengths
- 50 mg oral capsules
- 100 mg oral capsules
- 200 mg oral capsules
How should I store danazol?
Danazol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of danazol?
The most common side effects of danazol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Male hormone effects, such as weight gain, acne, hair growth, fluid retention, or voice changes (see below)
- Menstrual changes, such as spotting, changes in timing of periods, or missed periods
- Flushing and sweating
- Vaginal dryness and irritation
- Reduced breast size
- Mood changes or nervousness
- Changes in semen, such as volume, thickness, or sperm count
- Changes in certain lab test results
There may be other side effects of danazol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of danazol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of danazol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Danazol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking danazol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Blood Clots. Danazol may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking danazol and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
- Sudden weakness on one side of your body
- Sudden and severe headache
- Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
- Vision loss
- Bulging eyes
- Double vision
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking danazol. Keep all appointments for blood tests. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Danazol can increase the pressure around the brain, a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri (or increased intracranial pressure). Stop taking danazol and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
Changes in Cholesterol Levels. Danazol may cause changes in your cholesterol levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood.
Male Hormone Effects. Danazol can cause male hormone effects, some of which may not go away after stopping the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you notice the following effects.
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Scaly rash (seborrheic dermatitis)
- Abnormal hair growth
- Fluid retention
- Hair loss
- Voice changes
- Enlarged clitoris
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use danazol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take danazol.
- Danazol
- Danocrine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific danazol products they stock.
Abnormal Genital Bleeding. Danazol should not be taken if you have abnormal genital bleeding that has not been diagnosed by your health care provider.
Kidney, Liver, or Heart Problems. Danazol should not be taken if your kidneys, liver, or heart are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, liver, or heart, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
Pregnancy. Danazol should not be taken if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.
Breastfeeding. Danazol should not be taken if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop danazol. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.
Porphyria. Danazol should not be taken if you have porphyria, which is a condition that affects your red blood cells and can cause nerve or skin problems.
Certain Tumors. Danazol should not be taken if you have certain types of tumors that can be affected by male hormones (androgens).
Blood Clots. Danazol should not be taken if you currently have a blood clot or have had a blood clot in the past.
What should I know about danazol before using it?
Do not take danazol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share danazol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep danazol out of the reach of children.
Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood tests.
Danazol may affect the results of certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers that you are taking this medicine before any lab tests or blood tests.
What should I tell my health care provider before using danazol?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if danazol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Epilepsy
- Migraine
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Increased blood cell levels (polycythemia)
- Diabetes
Other Medicines and Supplements. Danazol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking danazol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Danazol may cause harm to a fetus. It should not be taken if you are pregnant. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before starting danazol. If you can become pregnant, you should use a nonhormonal form of birth control while taking danazol. If you become pregnant, stop taking danazol right away and contact your health care provider.
Breastfeeding. Danazol should not be taken while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if danazol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does danazol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between danazol and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect danazol.
Does danazol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking danazol.
- Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
- A medicine for diabetes
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) or tacrolimus (Astragraf XL, Prograf, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
- A vitamin D analog, such as calcitriol, which is a medicine that may be used to treat hypoparathyroidism
- A statin, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor and others), lovastatin, or simvastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with danazol. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much danazol?
If you or someone else has used too much danazol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of danazol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Danazol (Danocrine)?
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