ITP Treatments

Danazol

Danocrine in the U.S., Cyclomen in Canada

This drug is commonly used to treat endometriosis. It is a synthetic androgen (male sex hormone.) It disrupts the action of the pituitary gland by suppressing the output of some hormones which causes the reduction of estrogen, halts menses and promotes the growth of facial hair and acne. Danazol is considered a second line treatment. The response rate has been about 30%. (Ref 1). Baseline and periodic liver function tests should be performed in all patients.

Precautions

Danazol is not recommended for use during pregnancy, since it may cause a female baby to develop certain male characteristics.
Danazol may cause male-like changes in female children and cause premature sexual development in male children. It may also slow or stop growth in any child.
Androgens (male sex hormones) that are used in older males may increase the risk of developing prostate enlargement or cancer. (Ref 2)
This medicine may affect blood glucose (sugar) levels. If you notice a change in the results of you blood or urine glucose test or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Because Danazol may cause fluid retention, patients with cardiac or renal problems, epilepsy, or migraines should be observed closely during therapy.
Danazol may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness, or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn.

Dosage

Usual treatment starts with 100mg three times a day. Increase to 200mg three times a day if tolerated. Watch blood pressure, liver function tests and blood sugar levels.

Side Effects

Along with it’s needed effects, Danazol can cause unwanted effects such as, oily skin and hair, edema, weight gain, deepening of voice, unnatural hair growth, hoarseness, decrease in breast size, dizziness, headaches, sleep disorders, fatigue, irritability, flushing, sweating, and vaginitis with; itching, drying, burning or bleeding.

Related Web Sites

http://my.webmd.com/content/asset/uspdi.202180 (Ref #2)
http://www.haematologica.it/abstr/penalver837.html ( Journal Article concerning Danazol