Danazol
Endometriosis, Fibrocystic Breast Disease
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
N/A
Pharmaceutical Class
Androgen
Danazol
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Click HereSummary
Danazol is used to treat endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It's also used to treat fibrocystic breast disease, breast pain and to prevent swelling in the skin, abdomen, or throat (angioedema) in both men and women.
Danazol works by blocking signals from the brain to the ovaries, reducing the production of hormones that can worsen conditions like endometriosis and breast pain. It also interacts with hormone receptors in the body, preventing them from functioning properly.
For people with mild symptoms, the recommended starting dose is 200 to 400 mg per day, split into two doses. It is taken orally with food or after a meal to reduce stomach upset.
Common side effects include weight gain, acne, oily skin, changes in menstrual cycles, and hot flashes. More serious side effects can include liver toxicity, elevated cholesterol levels, masculinization in women, mood changes, and fluid retention.
Danazol should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can harm the baby. It's also contraindicated in individuals with liver disease, porphyria, and severe heart or kidney disease. Caution is needed in those with a history of blood clots.
Indications and Purpose
What is Danazol used for?
Danazol is a medication used to treat endometriosis, a condition where tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It is also used to prevent swelling in the skin, abdomen, or throat (angioedema) in both men and women.
How does Danazol work?
Danazol is a medication that helps to suppress the menstrual cycle. It works by reducing the production of hormones like estrogen, which are responsible for ovulation and menstruation. Danazol also interacts with hormone receptors in the body, which prevents them from functioning properly. As a result, the body produces less of the hormones FSH and LH, which are necessary for ovulation to occur.
Is Danazol effective?
Danazol has been shown to be effective in clinical studies for treating conditions like endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema. It works by suppressing the production of certain hormones, reducing inflammation and symptoms associated with these conditions. Evidence from clinical trials supports its efficacy in reducing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and breast tenderness, though it may have varying effectiveness depending on the individual.
How does one know if Danazol is working?
The benefit of Danazol is typically evaluated by monitoring symptom relief and clinical outcomes. For conditions like endometriosis or fibrocystic breast disease, improvement in pain, swelling, and menstrual irregularities is assessed. In hereditary angioedema, the frequency and severity of attacks are measured. Regular follow-up visits, physical exams, and sometimes lab tests are used to evaluate the medication's effectiveness.
Directions for Use
How do I take Danazol?
Danazol should be taken with food or after a meal to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor, and there are no specific food restrictions while using Danazol. However, you should avoid consuming alcohol in excess, as it may increase the risk of liver-related side effects. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for the best results.
For how long do I take Danazol?
Therapy typically lasts 3 to 6 months. However, it can go up to 9 months if necessary. If symptoms come back after stopping therapy, it can be started again.
How long does it take for Danazol to start working?
Danazol may take several weeks to show noticeable effects, especially when used to treat conditions like endometriosis or fibrocystic breast disease. Typically, it may take about 4 to 6 weeks for its full therapeutic effects to be observed. However, some individuals may experience improvement in symptoms sooner. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns about the medication's effectiveness.
How should I store Danazol?
Danazol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and kept in a tightly closed container. It is important to keep it out of the reach of children. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where humidity can affect the medication’s effectiveness. Always check the expiration date and dispose of expired medication properly.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Danazol?
Danazol is contraindicated in individuals with liver disease, porphyria, and severe heart or kidney disease. It should not be used during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Caution is needed in those with a history of blood clots, as Danazol can increase the risk of thromboembolic events. Regular monitoring of liver function and cholesterol levels is advised.
Can I take Danazol with other prescription drugs?
Danazol can affect other medications: - **Antidiabetic drugs:** Danazol can make your body less responsive to insulin. So, if you take insulin or other diabetic medications, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage. - **Cyclosporine and tacrolimus:** Danazol can increase the levels of these drugs in your blood, which can lead to kidney problems. - **Carbamazepine:** Danazol can also increase the levels of this drug in your blood. - **Warfarin:** Danazol can cause your blood to clot more slowly, which can be dangerous if you take warfarin, a blood thinner.
Can I take Danazol with vitamins or supplements?
Danazol is a medication that can increase the amount of calcium in the body. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium. In people with primary hypoparathyroidism, the body does not produce enough parathyroid hormone, which is needed to regulate calcium levels. Danazol can increase the calcemic response to synthetic vitamin D analogs in primary hypoparathyroidism by increasing the absorption of calcium from the intestines.
Can Danazol be taken safely while pregnant?
Taking danazol while pregnant is not recommended. This is because exposure to danazol during pregnancy can cause male-like effects on the developing female baby. There have been cases of female babies being born with enlarged clitorises, fused labia, birth defects affecting the urogenital area, vaginal closure, and ambiguous genitalia.
Can Danazol be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Danazol is not recommended during breastfeeding. It can pass into breast milk and may affect milk production and infant development. The medication can cause serious side effects in the infant, such as masculinization in females. If treatment with Danazol is necessary, breastfeeding should be discontinued, and alternative treatments should be considered.
Is Danazol safe for the elderly?
Not know if this drug is safe or works for older people because it hasn't been tested on them. But For elderly patients, use Danazol cautiously: Start with the lowest effective dose . Monitor for fluid retention , hepatic toxicity , and androgenic effects. Regular medical supervision is essential due to potential reduced organ function in this group.
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