Generic Danazol

Danazol is part of the steroid family; it is in fact a modified testosterone. Having been around since the 1970s, this was the first drug that had an affect against endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition that women have that is really the growth of endometruim, which is usually inside the uterus, outside the uterus. Danazol has makes the female body more masculine and this stops the effects of endometriosis. It actually stops the body from further producing estrogen. However, since it does have such drastic side effects to the female body the drug’s use becomes very limited and quite specific. It is used to treat other issues and disorders that are estrogen-induced. Such disorders like Menorrhagia, which is prolonged and heavy menstrual flow. It can also treat Chronic cystic mastitis, which is when non-cancerous lumps appear on a woman’s breasts. It can also treat Fibrocystic Breast Disease; it actually relieves the pain and tenderness in the breasts.

As previously stated, the side effects include an increase of testosterone in the body thereby making the body more male. Specifically this can lead to unwanted facial hair, a deep voice, weight gain, fluid retention, acne and oily skin. It also has a pituitary-suppressive effect, so menstruation might not come at all when patients are on the drug. However, once the drug is discontinued menstrual patterns will return to normal. Some other side effects include sore throats, migraine, epilepsy, cardiac disorders, and renal disorders. Abnormalities like spotting, sweating, vaginal dryness and reduction of breast size may also happen to the patient’s body. Serious side effects include rashes, yellowing of skin or eyes, persistent and painful stomach ache, for males it can cause painful penile erections.

Danazol is activated, or it becomes active from its dormant state, in the liver. Patients with liver disease cannot take this drug. Patients who have overcome liver disease should be checked out by their doctor before they use this drug. Danazol should not be administered to patients with abnormal genital bleeding, a history of strokes, blood clots, breast cancer, or porphyria. Patient’s thinking of taking Danazol should inform their doctors of any and all over the counter and prescription medication that they are taking. Medication like blood thinners, insulin, seizure medications, and vitamins.

Danazol is very dangerous for a pregnant woman, since the fetus becomes masculine as she takes the drug. This drug is specifically more dangerous for a female fetus since Danazol could make her masculine, or giver her certain androgenic abnormalities. It is also passed on through the milk, so nursing mothers should be very careful with their female children. It’s best to stop nursing all together once you’re on Danazol. Danazol also prevents pregnancy, although that is not it’s primary use.

Danazol is rarely prescribed for over 6 months because of its effects on the liver and the patient’s fluctuating body weigh, which might be bad for the patient’s long term health. Patients who have a long term treatment with Danazol should be carefully monitored by their doctors. Their liver should be monitored, and doctors should look out for hepatic dysfunction. Danazol is marketed as Danocrine and is available in 50- 200 mg tablets ranging from yellow to orange and black tablets.