Danocrine is an oral tablet made up of an antigonadotropic agent called danazol. This medication has a generic alternative (same active ingredient; different in price, appearance and price) available for purchase as well as the name brand Danocrine in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg.

Danocrine (Danazol) is prescribed to women to treat both pelvic pain and infertility that is the result of endometriosis (uterus disorder) and treats symptoms like breast pain, tenderness or nodules caused by fibrocystic breast disease (breast condition). However, it can also be used for both men and women when treating symptoms (swelling of abdomen, arms, legs, face, and airway) of hereditary angioedema (congenital disease).

Danazol works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones (that make the condition worse) made by the ovaries when treating uterus and breast conditions. When treating congenital diseases, danazol helps to create extra production of certain proteins (that help fight the condition) in your bodys defense system, also known as your immune system.

Only take this medication the way that your doctor has directed you too. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or adverse interactions.

This medication is taken by mouth and is done usually twice a day. Your doctor should be able to clarify how often.

Take this medication the same way every time. If you take it with food the first time, always take it with food, and vice versa.

Use Danazol regularly to get the best results. If your condition does not improve or if it worsens, contact your doctor about alternative medications.

If you are a woman taking Danazol, you should start taking it around the start of your monthly menstrual cycle.

Some medical conditions as well as medications to treat those conditions shouldn’t be mixed with Danazol as they can cause unwanted adverse interactions and sometimes be fatal. Tell your doctor about all past medical conditions as well as all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over the counter, herbal supplements and vitamins, to determine if this medication is right for you. Below is a list of conditions in which you should not take Danazol:

undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; severe heart problems; a history of stroke or blood clot; severe liver or kidney disease; porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Other conditions may be okay to take danazol with, as sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks and a simple dosage adjustment can be made. Below is a list of conditions you should mention to your doctor before taking danazol as you may need to take extra precautions:

heart problems; high blood pressure; liver disease; kidney disease; epilepsy or other seizure disorder; diabetes; or migraine headaches.

You should not use this medication if you are pregnant. Taking danazol while pregnant could lead to birth defects or harm to the baby. Speak to your doctor about birth control methods before taking danazol, you may also need to take a pregnancy test before starting this medication.

Breast feeding is not recommended while using danazol as it passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant.

This medication should not be taken by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side effects are not always present in everyone. Others are more sensitive to side effects while they could be mild for others. If side effects ever become too much to handle, contact your doctor right away.

Common side effects of danazol may include:

flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); changes in your menstrual periods; unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting; breast changes; sexual problems; decreased amount of semen released during sex; mood changes, nervousness; or vaginal dryness or irritation.

Serious side effects of danazol may include:

loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side); cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); bloody or tarry stools, dark urine; swelling or weight gain; a hoarse or deepened voice, sore throat; hair loss, or increased hair growth; acne or other skin problems; unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness

Speak to your doctor if you experience any of the side effects listed above.

Signs to watch for:

increased pressure inside the skull: severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or

blood clot: sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, swelling or redness in an arm or leg.

What other drugs will interact with danazol?

Some medications that will react to danazol include;

carbamazepine;

cyclosporine;

tacrolimus;

warfarin;

insulin or oral diabetes medications; or

cholesterol lowering medicines such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin.

What if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if your next dose is approaching. If it hasn’t been that long since you were suppose to take the missed dose, take it.

What else should I know?

Medical tests should be preformed regularly to monitor your progress. These tests include liver function tests and cholesterol level tests.

Is this safe for children to use?

No, the safety and effectiveness of danazol has not yet been established in children 0-18 years old.