Uses

Danazol is indicated for the treatment of endometriosis amenable to hormonal management, and for the prevention of attacks of hereditary angioedema (cutaneous, abdominal, and laryngeal types) in both males and females. It has also been used in fibrocystic breast disease.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, markedly impaired hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, pregnancy, breastfeeding, porphyria, androgen-dependent tumors, active thrombosis or thromboembolic disease, and hypersensitivity to danazol.

Side effects

Androgenic effects include weight gain, acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, edema, voice change (hoarseness or deepening), hair loss, and rarely clitoral hypertrophy in women. Hepatotoxicity, dyslipidemia (decreased HDL, increased LDL), and thromboembolic events have been reported.

Warnings

Use in pregnancy is absolutely contraindicated due to risk of fetal androgenic effects, including pseudohermaphroditism in female fetuses. A negative pregnancy test is required before initiation; non-hormonal contraception must be used during treatment. Regular liver function tests are recommended. Risk of thromboembolism and peliosis hepatis exists.

How it works

Danazol is a synthetic androgen derived from 17-alpha-ethinyl testosterone. It suppresses the pituitary-ovarian axis by depressing hypothalamic-pituitary responsiveness to lowered estrogen, altering sex steroid metabolism, and interacting with androgen and progesterone receptors. It suppresses FSH and LH output and inhibits ovarian steroidogenesis.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20–25°C), protected from moisture and heat. Keep in the original container.