Side Effects of Danazol - for the consumer

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Danazol:

Acne; changes in menstrual flow; changes in semen volume and sperm count;
emotional problems; excessively oily skin; flushing; hair loss; nervousness;
reduction in breast size; sweating; vaginal itching or dryness; voice changes
(hoarseness, sore throat, change in pitch); weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Danazol:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the
chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal hair growth; arm
or leg pain; breathing trouble; chest pain; dark urine; dizziness; fainting;
headache; nausea; one-sided weakness; slurred speech; sore throat or fever;
stomach pain; swelling; unusual bleeding or bruising; vision problems; vomiting;
yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Danazol as a treatment for endometriosis

Danazol has been used to treat women with endometriosis since the 1970s .Danazol is a synthetic androgen . Androgens are hormones produced by the male testes. They are responsible for the functioning of the male reproductive system and the development of the male characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice. The ovaries also produce small amounts of androgens. Danazol is an effective treatment for endometriosis, and has the same effectiveness as the other hormonal treatments. However, it has many androgenic (male-like) side effects, including weight gain, increased body hair and acne.

Danazol can also reduce the growth of breast tissue. It is helpful in the treatment of breast pain. Breast pain is called mastlagia. This is usually associated with fibrocystic breast disease. Danazol can also be used to treat a disorder called hereditary angioedema. This affects men and women. It causes swelling and pain in the arms, legs, face, throat, colon, or sex organs.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Danazol may cause male-like changes in female children and cause premature sexual development in male children. It may also slow or stop growth in any child.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of danazol in the elderly with use in other age groups, danazol has effects similar to androgens (male hormones). Androgens used in older males may increase the risk of developing prostate enlargement or cancer.