Cyclomen

Cyclomen (Danazol) therapy should be started during menstruation unless a reliable pregnancy test has been performed to ensure that you are not pregnant. An effective nonhormonal method of birth control should be used during therapy with Cyclomen (Danazol).

The usual dosage range for treating endometriosis is 200 mg to 800 mg taken daily in 2 to 4 divided doses without interruption for 3 to 6 months. The recommended maximum duration of therapy is 6 months.

The usual dosage range for treating fibrocystic breast disease is 100 mg to 400 mg taken daily in 2 divided doses. Symptoms should decrease within 30 to 40 days. The recommended maximum duration of therapy is 6 months. Treatment should stop before the end of the 6 months if the symptoms disappear.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Cyclomen (Danazol) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Cyclomen (Danazol) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause pimples (acne); it may cause redness of the face; it may cause unwanted hair growth; it could cause water retention and swelling; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it may cause oily skin; it may cause weight gain, mostly with prolonged use. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

50 mg
Each hard pink gelatin capsule, with "D50" on the cap and on the body contains 50 mg of Cyclomen (Danazol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: maize starch, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, red iron oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide.

100 mg
Each hard bicolour (grey cap/white body) gelatin capsule, with "D100" on the cap and on the body contains 100 mg of Cyclomen (Danazol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: black iron oxide, maize starch, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

200 mg
Each hard bicolour (orange cap/white body) gelatin capsule, with "D200" on the cap and on the body contains 200 mg of Cyclomen (Danazol). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide and yellow iron oxide.

Do not take Cyclomen (Danazol) if you:

• are allergic to Cyclomen (Danazol) or any ingredients of the medication
• are breast-feeding
• are pregnant
• are taking the medication Simvastatin
• have a tumour dependent on androgen (male sex hormone)
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding not diagnosed by a doctor
• have genital cancer
• have kidney, liver, or heart problems
• have or have had problems with Blood Clots forming in the blood vessels
• have porphyria

There may be an interaction between Cyclomen (Danazol) and any of the following:

• Aripiprazole
• Carbamazepine
• corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisone)
• Cyclosporine
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• dofetilide
• high blood pressure medications
• Hydrocodone
• Lomitapide
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Pimozide
• "statin" cholesterol lowering medications (e.g., Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, simvastatin)
• Tacrolimus
• vitamin D analogues (e.g., alfacalcidol, Calcitriol, cholecalciferol)
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Cyclomen (Danazol). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cyclomen (Danazol).

Altered hormone levels: Cyclomen (Danazol) treatment causes considerable changes in hormone levels and may result in such side effects as acne, weight gain, irregular menstrual patterns or no menstruation, and the development of male characteristics (see below). If these are bothersome, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Blood clots: Cyclomen (Danazol) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduced blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood-clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, Stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast Cancer: Cyclomen (Danazol) is not intended to treat symptoms of breast cancer. Before starting Cyclomen (Danazol) therapy for the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease, your doctor should exclude the possibility of breast cancer. Any nodules that do not decrease in size after 2 or 3 months should be discussed with your doctor.

Cholesterol levels: People taking Cyclomen (Danazol) may experience changes to their blood cholesterol levels. If you have abnormal cholesterol levels or a history of elevated cholesterol, discuss with your doctor how Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Development of male characteristics: Women should watch closely for the development of male characteristics such as hoarseness or deepening of the voice, clitoral thickening, and more than minimal growth of body hair. These effects may not be reversible. If these effects occur, contact your doctor to discuss further therapy.

Diabetes: Cyclomen (Danazol) may interfere with blood glucose control. People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose closely and report any abnormalities to their doctor. Antidiabetes medications may need to be adjusted.

Heart disease and blood pressure: Cyclomen (Danazol) may cause fluid retention, increased blood pressure and possibly blood clots. If you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, or other heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: If you have Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. While you are taking Cyclomen (Danazol), your doctor may order blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working.

Liver function: Cyclomen (Danazol) can cause decreased liver function and may cause liver failure, when taken at normal doses. If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. While you are taking Cyclomen (Danazol), your doctor may order blood tests to check how well your liver is working.

If you experience signs of decreased liver function, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or pale stools, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Migraine headache: People taking Cyclomen (Danazol) may experience increased migraine Headaches. If you experience migraine headaches while taking Cyclomen (Danazol), contact your doctor. People who experience migraine headaches before taking Cyclomen (Danazol) may experience an increase in the frequency of migraine headaches. If you experience migraine headaches, discuss with your doctor how Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Ovarian Cancer: Cyclomen (Danazol) may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in people treated for endometriosis.

Seizure disorder: Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect medications taken to control seizures. If you have Epilepsy or another seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Cyclomen (Danazol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Thyroid tests: Cyclomen (Danazol) may interfere with laboratory tests used to monitor thyroid function.

Pregnancy: If taken during pregnancy, Cyclomen (Danazol) may be harmful to the unborn child. Cyclomen (Danazol) should be started during menstruation and an effective nonhormonal method of birth control should be used while taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking Cyclomen (Danazol) and discuss the risks with your doctor.

Breast-feeding: Cyclomen (Danazol) may cause harm to an infant if it is taken by a breast-feeding mother. It must not be taken by women who are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Cyclomen (Danazol) have not been established for use by children.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. This medication was prescribed for a specific period of time. Take it for the entire time prescribed in order to achieve the medication's full benefit, even if you begin to feel better sooner. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.