Danogen 100 mg

Danogen 100 mg capsule is indicated for the treatment of various menstrual problems, which include painful or irregular periods, benign fibrocystic breast disease (painful breast disease), premenstrual tension (PMT),  and a condition called endometriosis. It contains the active ingredient Danazol, which effectively treats all these conditions.

Working of Danazol

Danazol acts with different mechanisms, because of which its effects are exerted. Being a synthetic steroid, Danazol possesses structural similarities with testosterone. For further information about the workings of the drug in your case, it is best to visit a doctor.

Danogen 100 mg should not be administered to patients with the following conditions:

• Impaired renal, hepatic, or cardiac function
• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
• Porphyria
• Active thrombosis or thromboembolic diseases and a history of such problems
• Androgen-dependent tumour
• Hypersensitivity to Danazol

Drug interactions

Treatment with Danogen may elevate carbamazepine levels in patients taking both medications. Prolongation of prothrombin time occurs in patients stabilised on a diuretic (warfarin). Danazol can contribute to insulin resistance. Caution should be exercised when used with diabetes medicines. The medication can increase the levels of cyclosporin and tacrolimus, which may lead to an increase in renal toxicity. Appropriate dose adjustments may be required when used concomitantly with Danogen. Coadministration with atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased. Caution should be taken when used concomitantly.   

The safety and effectiveness of this medicine in paediatric patients have not been established. There is not enough evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of Danogen in elderly patients.  

The side effects that have been reported in association with Danogen are androgen-like effects (acne, seborrhea, and weight gain). Edema, voice change (hoarseness), mild hirsutism, sore throat, or instability or deepening of pitch may occur and may persist after treatment discontinuation. Rarely, hypertrophy of the clitoris occurs. 

Other possible effects are menstrual disturbances, including alteration of the timing of the cycle, amenorrhea, and spotting. Although periods and ovulation usually return within 60 to 90 days after discontinuation of treatment with Danazol, persistent amenorrhea has been reported occasionally. 

Sweating, flushing, irritation, vaginal dryness, and reduction in breast size may reflect a lowering of estrogen levels. Nervousness has been observed. Liver dysfunction has been reported in patients receiving a daily dosage of Danazol of 400 mg or more. Therefore, it is suggested that the patients receiving the medicine be monitored for hepatic insufficiency. Serious liver insufficiency includes hepatic adenoma, cholestatic jaundice, and peliosis hepatis. Here are the side effects that have been reported; a causal relationship to the usage of Danogen has neither been confirmed nor refuted. These include

• Allergic reactions: pruritus, urticaria,  nasal congestion,  nervousness
• Central nervous system effects: headache, dizziness, fainting, sleep disorders, fatigue, weakness, paresthesia, visual disturbances, anxiety, chills, changes in appetite, Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, constipation, splenic peliosis, pancreatitis
• Musculoskeletal: joint pain, muscle cramps/spasms, joint swelling, joint lockup, carpal tunnel syndrome, pain in the neck, back, or extremities.
• Genitourinary: Prolonged posttherapy amenorrhea, hematuria
• Skin problems: Rashes, sun sensitivity, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Other side effects: Change in libido, palpitation, tachycardia, myocardial infarction, increase in blood pressure, cataracts, fever, pelvic pain, nipple discharge, bleeding gums, interstitial pneumonitis, and increased insulin requirements in diabetic patients.

Your doctor must have identified the benefits and side effects of this medicine while prescribing it to you. When you take the prescription medicine, it may not cause any side effects; however, in rare cases, it does as well. So, it is always best to speak to your doctor at length to understand the benefits and risks of any medicine.

Danogen is given orally, and this medicine comes in a capsule form. Danazol should be used continuously, with the dosing regimen adjusted to the severity of the condition as well as the patient's response. Once a satisfactory response has been achieved, the dose may be reduced. Treatment usually begins during menstruation. Appropriate tests should be conducted to ensure that the patient is not pregnant while taking Danazol. An effective non-hormonal birth control method should be used during the complete course of therapy. Amenorrhea, regular menstrual patterns, and irregular menstrual patterns may occur more frequently with higher doses. The duration of treatment should be limited to a maximum of three to six months.  

Endometriosis: Clinical effectiveness has been attained with total daily doses of Danogen ranging from 200 mg to 800 mg taken in two to four divided doses and used without interruption for 3 to 6 months. 

Fibrocystic breast disease: The total daily dose ranges from 100 mg to 400 mg, used in two divided doses, depending on the patient's response. Pain and tenderness associated with the condition usually respond to therapy after 30 to 40 days. In most cases, breast pain and tenderness are significantly relieved by the first month of the treatment and eliminated in 2 to 3 months. A non-hormonal birth control method is recommended when Danogen is given at this dose since ovulation may not be suppressed.

The dosing information given here may be different from what is given on your prescription provided by your healthcare provider. Confirm your dosing regimen to achieve the best benefits from this medicine.