DanocrineⓇ (danazol) is approved for people with endometriosis to treat endometriosis-related pain. Danazol is a synthetic steroid that suppresses ovarian function. It affects the levels of certain hormones in the body that are related to the menstrual cycle and other aspects of the reproductive system.1,2
What are the ingredients in danazol?
The active ingredient is danazol.1,2
How does danazol work?
Danazol blocks the release of certain hormones that control the reproduction system. One of these hormones is estrogen. Lowering estrogen levels in the body can help shrink endometriosis lesions. Lower estrogen levels may also prevent the lesions from thickening and breaking down, reducing endometriosis-related pain.1,2
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects of danazol include:1,2
- Acne
- Decrease in breast size
- Weight gain
- Oily skin or hair
- Flushing or sweating
- Vaginal dryness, burning, itching, or bleeding
- Nervousness or irritability
- Changes in your period, including spotting or a lack of a period
Danazol has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has this warning because it can:1,2
- Harm an unborn baby
- Increase the risk of blood clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke
- Cause liver problems
- Cause increased pressure of the fluid inside the skull
People who can become pregnant should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of danazol. People taking danazol must have a negative pregnancy before taking this drug. Danazol may also decrease how well hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, implants, or injections) work. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control while taking danazol.1,2
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:1,2
- Warm, red, swollen, or tender leg
- Trouble speaking or understanding
- Numbness in or inability to move your face, arm, or leg
- Sudden, severe headache
- Sudden changes in vision
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Stomach pain
- Extreme tiredness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Nausea, vomiting
These are not all the possible side effects of danazol. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking danazol. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking danazol.
Other things to know
You should not breastfeed during treatment with danazol and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for breastfeeding while taking danazol.1,2
Before beginning treatment with danazol, tell your doctor if you have:1,2
- Abnormal genital bleeding
- Liver, kidney, or heart problems
- A history of blood clots
- A history of epilepsy or seizures
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- A history of migraine
Before beginning treatment for endometriosis, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
For more information, read the full prescribing information of danazol.