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.