Danazol

Brand Name: Cyclomen

Prescription: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Danazol is most commonly used to treat the symptoms of endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. It may also be used for women who have problems with extremely heavy menstrual bleeding.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to danazol are pregnant or breastfeeding. As well it should be avoided or used with extreme caution in people with severe kidney liver or heart disease porphyria and/or a recent blood clot/stroke. Before taking this medication tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • breast cancer
  • blood clots
  • problems with your liver kidney or heart
  • high blood pressure
  • congestive heart failure
  • high blood cholesterol levels
  • swelling of your feet or ankles
  • seizures
  • migraine headaches
  • stroke
  • unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • problems with thyroid

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects include:

  • swelling of the feet or ankles
  • weight gain
  • absence of or change in menstrual cycle
  • acne
  • feeling depressed nervous irritable
  • flushing
  • hair growth (unusual amounts or in unusual places)
  • hoarseness or deepening of voice
  • oily skin or hair
  • sore throat
  • sweating
  • vaginal dryness burning itching or bleeding

Less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • liver problems (rare contact your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea vomiting stomach pain fatigue loss of appetite dark urine yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)
  • rash
  • high blood pressure
  • changes in thyroid function
  • persistent headaches

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • carbamazepine (may increase the amount of carbamazepine in the blood)
  • warfarin (may increase the chances of bleeding)
  • cyclosporine (may increase the amount of cyclosporine in the blood)
  • tacrolimus (may increase the amount of tacrolimus in the blood)

If you are taking medications to treat high blood pressure this medication may interfere with how well your blood pressure medication can work and your blood pressure may increase. Your doctor will likely check your blood pressure periodically while you are taking this medication.

If you are taking medications for congestive heart failure this medication may make your symptoms of congestive heart failure worse and interfere with how well your medications can work. Call your doctor immediately if you notice that your symptoms of heart failure are getting worse.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Rare Serious Side Effects: There have been extremely rare cases of serious side effects to this medication. However a direct-cause effect relationship has not been established. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Duration of therapy: This use of this drug is generally not recommended for longer than 6 months.

Lab tests: This medication has been shown to interfere with many different lab tests. Be sure to tell all healthcare providers that you are taking this medication.

Children: Not recommended for those under the age of 18.

Seniors: Reduced dose necessary.

Pregnant women: Warning - do not take this drug if you are pregnant or breast-feeding as there is a serious risk of adverse side effects including stroke liver disease and abdominal bleeding. If you are taking danazol and become pregnant call your doctor immediately. Try not to become pregnant for three months after you stop taking danazol. Do not use oral contraceptives.

Women who are nursing: Not recommended. This drug passes into breast milk and may adversely affect your baby. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems; may take this drug as prescribed.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink always drink in moderation.

Overdose: If you notice any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.

Stopping the drug: If you stop taking this drug underlying symptoms may recur. Talk to your doctor first.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it unless it is within 2 hours of your next scheduled dose in which case take the missed dose and skip the next scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of this medicine.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None.