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Danazol - Learn about Danazol Side Effects and Precautions

Danazol Information

The pharmacology action of Danazol is that it suppresses pituitary-ovarian axis by inhibiting output of pituitary gonadotropins; has weak, dose-related androgenic activity with no estrogenic or progestational activity.

Danazol is used in treatment of endometriosis; symptomatic treatment of fibrocystic breast disease; prevention of attacks of hereditary angioedema. Treatment of precocious puberty, gynecomastia, and menorrhagia; treatment of idiopathic immune thrombocytopenia, lupus-associated thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Interaction and Contraindication of Danazol

Interaction of Danazol - Anticoagulants:  May increase anticoagulant effects.
Carbamazepine:  May increase carbamazepine concentration.
Cyclosporine:  May increase cyclosporine levels, thus increasing risk of nephrotoxicity.
Insulin:  Diabetic patients may need increased insulin doses.

Contraindication of Danazol - Pregnancy; lactation; undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding; markedly impaired hepatic, renal, or cardiac function

Side Effects of Danazol

Here are the list of some common side effects of Danazol :

• Acne; mild hirsutism; oily skin or hair.
• Gastroenteritis.
• Jaundice; elevated LFT results; hepatic dysfunction
• Edema; decreased breast size; deepening of voice; weight gain; flushing; sweating; vaginitis; nervousness; emotional lability; amenorrhea; anovulation; breakthrough bleeding.

Precaution and Warning while taking Danazol

The precaution and warnings of Danazol drug is as follows:

• Instruct patient to notify health care provider if masculinizing effects occur (eg, abnormal facial hair or other fine body hair growth, deepening of voice, acne, clitoral enlargement, testicular atrophy, decrease in breast size). Inform patient that most of these side effects will cease after drug is discontinued; however, some changes may be irreversible (eg, permanent voice changes have occurred because of structural changes in larynx).
• Inform patient to notify health care provider if change in libido occurs because this may indicate toxicity.
• Instruct patient to eat low-sodium diet to prevent fluid retention and to notify health care provider of any signs of edema.
• Advise women being treated for fibrocystic breast disease to notify health care provider of any nodule that persists or enlarges during treatment. Review proper technique for breast self-examination.
• Caution patient not to discontinue drug abruptly.
• Advise patient to notify health care provider of irregular menses. Explain that amenorrhea usually occurs but that menstruation usually resumes 2 to 3 mo after termination of therapy.

How to store Danazol

• Initiate therapy during menstruation or after negative pregnancy test result.
• Give medication with food or milk to minimize GI irritation.
• When treating endometriosis, titrate dosage down to lowest dose sufficient to maintain amenorrhea and therapeutic response.
• Store drug in closed, light-resistant container at room temperature