How it is administered

Danazol is taken by mouth as a capsule. It is available in strengths of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. The capsules should be swallowed whole, usually with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dose and frequency depend on your specific condition and response to treatment.

How it works

Danazol is a synthetic steroid that works by affecting the pituitary-ovarian axis. In simple terms, it reduces the production of certain hormones in the body, particularly those involved in the menstrual cycle and immune response. Danazol has weak androgenic (male hormone-like) activity and suppresses the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This leads to a decrease in estrogen production.

In addition, danazol can decrease levels of certain antibodies and proteins in the blood, which is helpful in conditions where the immune system is overactive. For hereditary angioedema, danazol increases the levels of a protein called C1 esterase inhibitor, helping to prevent swelling attacks. Although danazol is not a standard treatment for blood cancers, it may sometimes be used to manage certain blood-related conditions, such as low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) or other blood disorders related to immune system dysfunction.

Who Should take it

Danazol is primarily prescribed for the treatment of endometriosis and hereditary angioedema. In the context of blood disorders, it may be considered for patients with hereditary angioedema to prevent attacks of swelling, which can affect the skin, abdomen, and airways.

In some rare cases, danazol may be used off-label to treat blood-related conditions such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or other disorders where the immune system attacks blood cells. However, its use in blood cancers is not standard and should only be considered if recommended by a specialist based on individual patient needs.

Who should not take it

Danazol should not be taken by patients who:

• Have undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
• Have severe liver, kidney, or heart disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have porphyria (a rare blood disorder)
• Have androgen-dependent tumors (tumors that grow in response to male hormones)
• Have active blood clots or a history of blood clotting disorders
• Are allergic to danazol or any of its ingredients

It is important to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before starting danazol, especially if you have a history of blood clots, liver problems, or hormone-sensitive cancers.

Commonly used with

Danazol is usually used alone for its approved indications. In rare cases where it is used for blood disorders, it may be combined with other medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs, depending on the specific condition and patient needs. Always follow your doctor's recommendations regarding combination therapy.

Commonly tested with

Danazol may be tested in combination with other immunosuppressive or steroid medications in clinical trials for rare blood disorders. It is not commonly tested with standard blood cancer treatments, but may be considered in research settings for conditions like immune thrombocytopenia or other immune-mediated blood disorders.