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Danazol
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About danazol
| Type of medicine | Gonadotrophin inhibitor |
| Used for | Endometriosis Breast cysts |
| Also called | Danol® |
| Available as | Capsules |
Danazol works by affecting the levels of various sex hormones in the body such as androgen, oestrogen and progesterone. It is used in the treatment of endometriosis (a condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the womb) and to relieve pain and tenderness in breast cyst disease.
Before taking danazol
Before taking danazol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), migraine, or porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you suffer from polycythaemia (a blood disorder).
- If you have ever had thrombosis (blood clots) or a stroke.
- If you have a type of cancer which is affected by hormones.
- If you have any vaginal bleeding other than your regular period.
- If you have a lipid disorder.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- Danazol is not recommended for use in children or the elderly.
How to take danazol
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Start taking danazol on the first day of your period. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water.
- Try to take danazol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. However if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
- Danazol treatment does not normally last longer than six months.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It is important that you do not become pregnant while you are being treated with danazol, however the contraceptive pill should not be used. Ask your doctor about suitable alternative contraception.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
- It is best not to drink alcohol while you are taking danazol. This is because you may feel sick or become short of breath.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can danazol cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling sick, stomach pain | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods |
| Dizziness | Getting up or moving more slowly may help. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache is severe or continues, tell your doctor |
| Hairiness, particularly on the body or face, voice changes, loss of hair from the head | Speak to your doctor about this as soon as possible |
| Rash, fever, backache, nervousness, mood changes, changes in sexual desire, tiredness, weight changes, irregular menstrual periods, vaginal dryness and irritation, hot flushes, reduction in breast size, muscle spasms, joint pain and swelling, thinning of the hair, acne, oily skin or swelling of the limbs | If troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store danazol
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Danol®, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised February 2007, accessed 18 June 2008.
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
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