Danocrine

Generic name: Danazol

What are danazol capsules?

DANAZOL (Danocrine®) slows production of the female hormone estrogen. Danazol is a man-made steroid that has similar actions to androgens, or male sex hormones. Danazol relieves the symptoms of endometriosis by shrinking the abnormal tissue, which forms a lining to the womb. Danazol can reduce the growth of abnormal breast tissue and is helpful in the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease. Danazol also treats a disorder that affects both men and women called hereditary angioedema, which causes swelling and pain in the arms, legs, face, throat, colon, or reproductive (sex) organs. Generic danazol capsules are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast cancer
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• migraine
• porphyria
• seizures (convulsions)
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to danazol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take danazol capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with danazol?

• agents that dissolve blood clots
• aspirin or aspirin-like medicines
• 'blood thinners' such as warfarin or heparin
• carbamazepine
• clopidogrel
• cyclosporine
• doxercalciferol
• medicines for high cholesterol (examples: lovastatin, simvastatin)
• medicines for diabetes
• paricalcitol
• red yeast rice
• sirolimus
• tacrolimus
• ticlopidine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking danazol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in vision
• changes in ovulation
• dark yellow or brown urine
• decrease in breast size
• difficulty passing urine or blood in the urine
• hair loss or unusual hair growth (such as facial hair growth in women)
• headache
• irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting
• nausea, vomiting
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash or itching
• stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual swelling of feet or ankles
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• voice changes (deepening or hoarseness)
• weight gain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne, oily skin
• hot flashes, sweating
• mood changes
• vaginal dryness or irritation

What should I watch for while taking danazol?

Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you are a female patient and notice any changes in your voice, decrease in breast size, or if hair starts growing on your face.

Do not take contraceptive birth pills while you are taking danazol.

Danazol can affect your menstrual cycle and you may stop having menstrual periods. These will return to normal within 2 to 3 months after you stop taking danazol.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.