What it means
A man-made androgen that lowers the hormones that drive the menstrual cycle, so endometrial tissue shrinks. It is used for endometriosis, painful benign breast lumps (fibrocystic breast disease) and to prevent swelling attacks of hereditary angioedema. Side effects include weight gain, acne, oily skin, hair growth, a deeper voice and stopped periods.
For the nurse
It must not be taken in pregnancy because it can cause male features in a female fetus: a pregnancy test is done first, and a nonhormonal birth control method is used during treatment. The boxed warning also covers blood clots, liver damage and raised pressure in the skull: report leg swelling, chest pain, severe headache, vision changes or yellow skin.
At a glance
| Drug class | synthetic androgen |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Danocrine, Cyclomen |
| Spanish | danazol |
Related terms
estrogen
A female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.