Danazol

Information on Danazol

Capsules
Chemical Name: DANAZOL (DA-na-zole)

Common uses
This medicine is a synthetic steroid used to treat endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. It may also be used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding or other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: Danazol must not be used during pregnancy. It is recommended a pregnancy test be performed before starting use of this drug. Effective, non-hormonal birth control measures (such as diaphragms and condoms) should be used while using danazol. Danazol may cause heart or circulation problems (blood clots), liver problems or increase pressure on the brain. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following: one-sided weakness, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, arm or leg pain, breathing trouble, chest pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, dizziness, fainting, swelling, stomach pain, head pain. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking carbamazepine, cyclosporine, or anticoagulants. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of blood clots or stroke; acute intermittent porphyria; undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; marked liver, kidney, or heart function impairment; or hormone-dependent cancer. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. USE A BARRIER CONTRACEPTIVE such as a condom or diaphragm while taking this medicine. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include acne, dizziness, fainting, weight gain, or vaginal itching or dryness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience abnormal growth of facial or other fine hair, yellowing of the skin or eyes, changes in vision, sore throat or fever, or unusual bleeding or bruising. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.