Danazol is a drug to treat pelvic pain or fertility problems due to endometriosis. This drug can also be used to relieve symptoms of fibrocystic breast lumps.
Danazol is a hormonal drug. This drug will produce effects similar to natural androgen hormones in the body. To treat pelvic pain and fertility problems due to endometriosis, this drug will inhibit the formation and release of hormones from the adrenal glands and ovaries (ovaries).
In addition, this drug can also increase the production of C1 esterase inhibitors , which are special proteins that are low in numbers in people with hereditary angioedema. This way of working will reduce the risk of recurrence of complaints, such as swelling in the abdomen, arms, legs, and respiratory tract, due to this condition.
Trademark of danazol: Azol 200
What is Danazol
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Androgenic hormone |
| Benefit | Treat endometriosis, relieve complaints in fibrocystic breast disease, and prevent recurrence of symptoms of angioedema |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Danazol for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated a fetal abnormality or risk to the fetus.
Drugs in this category should not be given to women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether danazol can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Precautions Before Consuming Danazol
This medicine must be used according to the doctor's prescription and recommendations. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take danazol if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have porphyria , vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, heart failure, liver failure, or kidney failure . Danazol should not be used by these patients.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy , migraines, diabetes, hypoparathyroidism , breast cancer, uterine cancer , heart disease, hypertension , or have ever had a stroke or a blood clotting disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Danazol should not be taken by pregnant women.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after taking danazol.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Danazol
The dose of danazol will be determined by the doctor according to the condition you want to treat. In general, the following are the dosages of danazol:
-
Conditions: Endometriosis
For mild endometriosis, the dose is 200–400 mg per day, in 2 divided doses. For moderate to severe endometriosis, the dose is 800 mg per day, divided into 2 doses.
-
Condition: Fibrocystic breast lumps. The
dose is 100–400 mg per day, in 2 divided doses.
-
Condition: Hereditary angioedema
Initial dose 200 mg, 2-3 times daily. Furthermore, the doctor can adjust the dose according to the needs and conditions of the patient.
How to Take Danazol Correctly
Follow the doctor 's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging before taking danazol. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Danazol can be taken before or after meals. Try to take danazol at the same time every day for maximum treatment. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
If danazol is used to treat endometriosis, then treatment is started during the menstrual period. Generally, endometriosis treatment takes 3–9 months. Meanwhile, to prevent angioedema, this drug may need to be consumed in the long term
If you forget to take danazol, it is recommended to drink it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
During treatment with danazol, your doctor may ask you to undergo regular health check-ups, including tests for liver and kidney function, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Follow the examination schedule given by the doctor.
Store danazol in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.
Danazol interactions with other drugs
The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur when danazol is used with other drugs:
- Increased blood levels of carbamazepine , ciclosporin, or tacrolimus
- Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used with simvastatin , atorvastatin, or lovastatin
- Increased risk of developing insulin resistance
- Increased risk of bleeding when used with warfarin
Danazol Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking danazol are:
- Acne appears
- Weight gain
- Growth of hair on the face, neck, chest, or abdomen ( hirsutism )
- A feeling of warmth and heat in the face, neck, or chest ( flushing )
- Shrinking breast size
- Dry or irritated vagina
- Restless or nervous
- Menstrual disorders, including no menstruation, spotting, or changes in the menstrual cycle
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or even get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Swelling of the arms or legs accompanied by redness or warmth
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Jaundice , dark urine, upper right abdominal pain, or no appetite
- Increased intracranial pressure (in the brain) which can be characterized by severe headaches, spurting vomiting, or blurred vision