Danazol is used to treat endometriosis (growth of tissues outside the lining of the uterus).
This medicine may also be used to treat painful breasts lumps and an inherited form of angioedema (swelling of the face and throat).
Take Danazol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine consistently either always with or always without meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Danazol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- heart disease
- active or a history of blood clot disorder
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
- tumour dependent on androgen (male sex hormone)
as Danazol may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Danazol if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Danazol.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- migraine
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- diabetes
- breast cancer
- polycythaemia (high red blood cell count)
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may need to do routine liver and kidney function tests while you are being treated with Danazol. Monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose level may also be needed. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Danazol may cause dizziness and problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, tiredness, nervousness, rashes, sleep disorders, acne, back pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, excessive sweating, deepening, hoarseness or instability of the voice, sore throat, weight gain, changes in appetite, hair loss, and swelling of the ankles, feet, or hand.
This medicine may also cause changes in menstrual cycle and breast size, vaginal dryness or irritation, and changes in sex drive. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about these side effects.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines for diabetes e.g. tolbutamide
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin
- medicines transplantedused in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. tacrolimus, ciclosporin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine
- alpha calcidol (type of Vitamin D)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Danazol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.