Drug
Danazol
Pronounced
"DAY-nuh-zole"
Uses
This medication is used in women to treat pelvic pain and infertility due to a certain disorder (endometriosis) and also to treat breast pain/tenderness/nodules due to a certain breast condition (fibrocystic breast disease). It is also used in both men and women to prevent swelling of the abdomen/arms/legs/face/airway due to a certain congenital disease (hereditary angioedema).
Danazol is an androgen similar to testosterone. For the treatment of endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease, it works by decreasing the amount of hormones made by the ovaries. These hormones usually make the conditions worse. For the treatment of angioedema, danazol helps to increase the amount of a certain protein in your body's defense system (immune system).
Warning
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. In women of childbearing age, this medication should be started during their menstrual period. If not, then they should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. It is important to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
Danazol has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) blood clots (such as stroke), liver disease, and increased pressure on the brain (benign intracranial hypertension). Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of these side effects, including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, headache that is severe or doesn't go away, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
How to Use This Medication
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.