Danazol

Danazol is a prescription medication used to treat endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. Danazol is also used in men and women to prevent attacks of angioedema.

Danazol belongs to a group of drugs called androgens. These work by decreasing the amount of certain hormones.

This medication comes in a capsule (by mouth) form and is usually taken two to three times a day.

Common side effects of danazol include weight gain, acne, and sweating.

Danazol is a prescription medication used to treat the following:

• endometriosis, a disease that causes infertility, pain before and during menstrual periods, pain during and after sexual activity, and heavy or irregular bleeding
• fibrocystic breast disease to reduce breast pain, tenderness, and lumps
• prevent attacks of angioedema (swelling in the face, hands, feet, genitals, and lung airways) in men and women

This medication may be prescribed for other uses.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Danazol may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Danocrine

Serious side effects have been reported with danazol.  See the "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects of danazol include the following:

• weight gain
• acne
• skin rash
• sweating
• decrease in breast size
• vaginal dryness and irritation
• menstrual cycle changes
• flushing
• water retention
• hoarseness or sore throat
• hair growth in unusual amounts and places
• nervousness
• liver problems

This is not a complete list of danazol side effects.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.  You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not take danazol if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. A method of birth control (contraception) other than oral contraceptives should be used while taking danazol. If you become pregnant, call your doctor immediately. Life-threatening strokes, increased pressure in the brain, and serious liver disease complicated by potentially life-threatening abdominal bleeding have been reported during therapy with danazol. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.