Danocrine (Danazol)

Description

Danocrine (danazol) is used to treat endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. This prescription medication is also used to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (swelling underneath the skin).

Danocrine comes in the following oral capsule strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg.

Directions

Danocrine should be taken as directed by your doctor. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.

Depending on the condition being treated with Danocrine, the dosage can vary. Your dosage and length of time taking the medication will be determined by your doctor.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in each Danocrine capsule is danazol. Corn starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, talc, D and C yellow #10, FD and C red #40, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide are inactive ingredients included. D and C red #28 is also an inactive ingredient included in the 50 mg and 200 mg capsules.

Contraindications

Danocrine should not be taken by patients with the following conditions:

• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Liver, kidney, or heart conditions
• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Porphyria, a condition in which chemicals build up and produce porphyrin
• Androgen-dependent tumor
• Blood clots or blood clotting disorders or a medical history of these
• Danazol allergy

Cautions

Danocrine has an FDA Boxed Warning that it should not be used while pregnant. A pregnancy test capable of detecting early pregnancy is recommended to be taken before initiation of Danocrine. A non-hormonal method of birth control should be used while being treated with Danocrine. The medication should be stopped if a patient becomes pregnant during treatment. Androgenic effects on a female fetus such as clitoral hypertrophy, labial fusion, urogenital sinus defect, vaginal atresia, and ambiguous genitalia may occur with Danocrine use.

Danocrine is also associated with the following FDA Boxed Warnings:

• Blood clots and events, including sagittal sinus thrombosis, have occurred. Life-threatening and fatal strokes have also occurred.

• Experience with using Danocrine for long periods of time is limited. Peliosis hepatitis and benign hepatic adenoma have occurred during long-term treatment.

• Serious cases of benign intracranial hypertension have occurred. Patients who develop papilledema, headache, nausea, vomiting, and vision problems should stop taking Danocrine and seek care by a neurologist.

• Prior to beginning treatment with Danocrine, talk to your doctor about:
• Any medications you take, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications
• Any allergies you may have
• Your medical history and health conditions
• Your current pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Danocrine may cause blood clots, blood clotting disorders, and life-threatening strokes.
• With long-term use of Danocrine, liver problems, including benign liver lesions, can develop.
• Danocrine may cause increased pressure inside the skull. Optic nerve swelling, headache, nausea, vomiting, and vision problems are early signs and symptoms. Immediately seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Before taking Danocrine, patients should be screened for breast cancer.
• Danocrine may cause fluid retention. Caution should be used by patients who have diabetes or any other condition that may cause fluid retention.
• Porphyria, a build up of chemicals that produce porphyrin, may be caused by Danocrine.

Side Effects

Some side effects associated with Danocrine include weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth in women, swelling, hair loss, and voice changes; however, these are not the only side effects that can occur. If you experience troublesome side effects or side effects that persist, immediately call your doctor.

Wondering where you can find a lower Danocrine cost? At a competitive price, Danocrine can be purchased online at Canada Drugs Direct with a valid prescription from your doctor.

Reference:

1. Danocrine. Bridgewater, NJ: sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC; 2011.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....