Danazol

USES

This medication is used to treat endometriosis which causes pelvic pain and infertility in women.

It is used to treat fibrocystic breast disease (non-cancerous cysts make the breast feel lumpy).

It is also used to prevent angioedema attacks.

IUPAC name:  17α-ethynyl-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-[2,3-d]isoxazole, 

Drug Class: Androgenic hormone

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Danazol works by decreasing the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone made by ovaries as these hormones make the condition worse.

It also works by enhancing the amount of a certain protein in your body’s defense system to treat angioedema.

SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects may include:

• weight gain
• acne
• sweating
• flushing
• vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, burning
• decrease in breast size
• abnormal body hair growth
• change in the menstrual cycle
• nervousness
• swelling in feet, ankles, or hands

PRECAUTIONS

Before using this drug, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to it or any other drug or if you have any other allergies.

If you have a medical history of porphyria, stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, high level of cholesterol, diabetes, liver/kidney disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, migraine, seizures.

During pregnancy, the use of this medicine should be avoided as it may harm the fetus.