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Home > Drug Category > Endometriosis Medication > Danocrine and Equivalent

Danocrine Information

Danocrine (Danazol) is primarily used for the management of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema. Its active ingredient is danazol, and it belongs to a class of drugs known as synthetic androgens (specifically, it is a derivative of ethisterone). It works by suppressing the production of gonadotropins, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), from the pituitary gland. Inhibiting these hormones stops the mid-cycle surge that triggers ovulation and significantly lowers estrogen levels. Additionally, it appears to bind directly to androgen and progesterone receptors and can block various enzymes involved in ovarian steroid production.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the body, like the pelvic walls or ovaries, which often leads to severe pain and scarring. Danazol helps by thinning out this displaced tissue and creating a low-estrogen environment that discourages its growth or bleeding during the menstrual cycle. In fibrocystic breast disease, which involves the development of painful, non-cancerous lumps in the breasts, this medication is likely to reduce the hormonal stimulation that makes this tissue tender and swollen. Hereditary angioedema is a genetic condition caused by a deficiency of a protein called C1 esterase inhibitor, which results in sudden and potentially life-threatening swelling of the throat, skin, or abdomen. Danazol helps in this case by prompting the liver to increase production of that specific protein, which helps prevent these swelling episodes before they start.

Danocrine Side Effects

Like any other medication, Danocrine has side effects, though they are rare. The more common side effects include weight gain, acne, flushing, irregular menstrual periods, sweating, hoarseness, abnormal growth of body hair in women, decreased sperm release in men, vaginal dryness or irritation, and decreased breast size. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects last or get worse.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Blood clot disorders with symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, leg swelling, and pain;
• High blood cholesterol;
• High blood pressure;
• Increased pressure in the brain with symptoms like severe headache, blurry vision, vomiting;
• Liver damage with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting of coffee-like substances, yellowness of the eyes, bloody or tarry stools, dark urine;
• Stroke with symptoms such as weakness in one side of the body, slurred speech

Also, inform your doctor if you notice any other side effects not listed here.

Danocrine Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to danazol or any other ingredients in Danocrine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Breast cancer;
• Blood clot disorders such as deep venous thrombosis;
• Blood disorders such as porphyria and polycythemia;
• Diabetes;
• Heart disease;
• High blood pressure;
• High cholesterol in the blood.
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Migraine headaches;
• Prostate cancer;
• Stroke;
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

Using danazol during pregnancy is strictly advised against. It is classified as a high-risk medication because exposure while pregnant can cause virilization of a female fetus. This means the female baby may develop male physical characteristics, such as an enlarged clitoris or fused labia, often requiring surgery to correct later. There must be a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication, and it also requires the use of non-hormonal contraception (like condoms) throughout the treatment. If you become pregnant while on this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Regarding breastfeeding, it is generally recommended to avoid the drug entirely. There is a potential risk that it could interfere with the baby's hormonal development or reduce the mother's milk supply by lowering prolactin levels. This medication should not be used in children under 18 years. Use of Danocrine in the elderly is generally avoided due to the risk of fluid retention and prostate issues (in men).

Taking danazol with certain cholesterol medications like simvastatin or lovastatin significantly increases the risk of rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and can cause kidney failure. It can potentiate the effects of blood thinners, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Danocrine to prevent potential drug interactions. Take danazol tablets by mouth with or without food, but with a full glass of water as directed by your doctor. It is recommended to start this medication during your menstrual period, especially when used to treat endometriosis. The appropriate dose of Danocrine for each individual depends on various factors such as age, the medical condition being treated, and response to treatment. It is therefore important to consult your doctor for the best dosage schedule for you. Also, read the leaflet carefully for more details on using this medication. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it away from sunlight, moisture, and out of children's reach.

Do I need a prescription to order Danocrine?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Danocrine.