Danocrine (Danazol) for Endometriosis

Overview
Danocrine is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1976 to treat endometriosis. Danocrine is not considered a first-line treatment for endometriosis due to its menopause-like side effects. Danocrine may be referred to by its drug name, danazol.

Danocrine should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Danocrine is not appropriate for women who have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Danocrine should not be taken by women with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, porphyria, or damaged heart, liver, or kidneys. Danocrine should be used with caution in people with diabetes, migraine, epilepsy, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, polycythemia (a blood disorder), a history of breast cancer, or problems with the heart or kidneys.

Danocrine is a male steroid hormone, or androgen. In cases of endometriosis, Danocrine is believed to work by changing hormone levels and suppressing the growth of endometrial tissue.

How do I take it?
Danocrine is taken orally as a capsule twice a day. Begin taking Danocrine on the first day of your period.

Your doctor will perform a pregnancy test before prescribing Danocrine.

Consult your doctor before you stop taking Danocrine.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Danocrine.

Side effects
Danocrine can cause fetal birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy and may cause problems if it is taken while breastfeeding.

Rare but serious side effects of Danocrine can include potentially fatal strokes, liver disease, abdominal bleeding, and increased cranial pressure.

Common side effects of Danocrine include hot flashes, weight changes, night sweats, irritability or moodiness, muscle cramps, acne nausea, abnormal hair growth, fatigue, increased blood cholesterol, vaginal dryness or irritation, oily skin, and decreased breast size. Most of these side effects will fade after you stop taking Danocrine.

Rarely, some side effects of Danocrine can be permanent. These include increased body hair, deeper voice, and enlargement of the clitoris.

Notify your doctor if side effects worsen. Call your doctor if you experience vision or hearing changes, black or tarry stools, chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, coughing up blood, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), skin rash, confusion, trouble speaking or walking, or persistent headache, stomach upset, or abdominal pain while taking Danocrine.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Danocrine — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/danocrine-drug.htm

Danocrine — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/danocrine.html