Danazol Description

Generic Name : DANAZOL

Pronunciation : (da' na zole)

Trade Name(s) : Danagen, Endometryl, Gonablok, Gynazol, Zendol, Danocrine

Why it is prescribed: Danazol is used to treat endometriosis, a disease that causes infertility, pain before and during menstrual periods, pain during and after sexual activity, and heavy or irregular bleeding. Danazol also is used to reduce breast pain, tenderness, and nodules in fibrocystic breast disease and to treat various medical conditions.

When it is to be taken: Danazol usually is taken twice a day. Women should take the first dose during a menstrual period and take it continuously thereafter. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Do not stop taking danazol until your doctor tells you to do so. If you have fibrocystic breast disease, breast pain and tenderness usually improve during the first month that you take danazol and go away in two to three months; nodules should improve in four to six months. If breast nodules persist or enlarge, contact your doctor.

How it should be taken: Danazol comes in the form of capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You probably will have periodic blood tests;men also will have semen tests.
2. Your doctor may decrease your dose, depending on your response to the drug.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next dose, omit the missed dmose completely. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Acne, decrease in breast size, deepening of voice, weight gain, swelling, oily skin or hair, hair growth in unusual amounts and places. Contact your doctor.
2. Flushing;sweating; vaginal dryness, burning, itching, or bleeding; nervousness; depression; irritability. If these effects persist or severe, contact your doctor.
3. Skin rash, yellowing of skin or eyes. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take danazol, tell your doctor if you have migraine headaches;heart, liver, or kidney disease; or a history of epileptic seizures or breast cancer.
2. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Danazol should not be taken during pregnancy; it can harm the unborn baby.
3. Use a reliable method of birth control, other than birth-control pills, while taking this drug and until you have had at least one menstrual period after stopping the drug.
4. Danazol can cause menstrual periods to stop entirely, but they usually resume within two to three months after danazol treatment.
5. If you become pregnant while taking danazol, contact your doctor immediately.
6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.