Danazol

Danazol — Uses and Benefits

Danazol is mainly used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema (a condition causing sudden swelling of body parts).

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain
• Managing fibrocystic breast disease with breast pain and lumpiness
• Preventing attacks of hereditary angioedema

HOW IT WORKS

• Suppresses the pituitary hormones (LH and FSH) that stimulate ovarian hormone production
• Reduces estrogen levels, which helps shrink endometrial tissue growth
• Increases levels of a certain blood protein that helps prevent angioedema attacks

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for general pain relief unrelated to the above conditions
• Not used as a contraceptive or for regular menstrual cycle regulation
• Not used for weight loss or bodybuilding purposes
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

How to Use Danazol

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with food to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
• Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor
• Continue taking it for the full duration advised, even if you feel better
• Regular blood tests and check-ups may be required during treatment

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual
• Do not take double the dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Dispose of unused medicine safely, do not flush down the drain

Danazol — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Weight gain
• Acne
• Oily skin
• Menstrual irregularities or spotting
• Mild fluid retention

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Hot flushes
• Voice changes (deepening)
• Increased hair growth on face or body
• Mood changes or irritability
• Headache
• Muscle cramps

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of blood clots such as leg swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness
• Severe headache, vision changes, or fainting (signs of raised pressure in the brain)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Danazol — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have severe liver, kidney, or heart disease
• Have a history of blood clots or stroke
• Have hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure
• Have migraine or seizure disorders
• Have any liver condition
• Are trying to conceive
• Are taking other hormonal medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Insulin or oral diabetes medicines
• Cyclosporine and certain other immune-suppressing drugs
• Statins used for cholesterol control
• Carbamazepine and some seizure medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine during pregnancy?

No, it can harm the unborn baby and must not be used during pregnancy.

How long does treatment usually last?

Duration varies by condition and is decided by your doctor, often a few months.

Will this medicine affect my periods?

• Yes, it commonly causes irregular periods or missed periods during treatment.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.