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Danazol Polfarmex

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Danazol Polfarmex

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Danazol
Form Capsule
Pharmacological class Gonadotropin Inhibitor
General purpose Hormonal modulation and immune stabilization
Origin Synthetic Steroid Compound
Manufacturer Polfarmex S.A. (Poland)
Status Prescription-only medicine

What Type of Medicine is Danazol Polfarmex?

Danazol Polfarmex is a prescription-only medicine supplied as an oral capsule that contains the active substance, Danazol. This specific preparation is associated with its manufacturer, Polfarmex S.A. Danazol is chemically defined as a synthetic steroid, distinguishing it as a manufactured derivative used for systemic hormonal manipulation. Its official pharmacological class is that of a gonadotropin inhibitor or antigonadotropic agent. Danazol inhibits the synthesis and release of gonadotropins, such as Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), from the pituitary gland. This medicine works by suppressing the signals that stimulate reproductive hormone production.

Composition, Form, and General Function

The medication is compounded for systemic effect and is absorbed via the oral route of administration in a solid-dosage form: the capsule. Its composition includes the active ingredient, Danazol, along with the necessary solid pharmaceutical excipients. The overall function of Danazol Polfarmex is rooted in its ability to modulate the endocrine system. While its central role is suppressing the pituitary-ovarian axis to create a hypo-estrogenic state, it also influences specific immune system components. Danazol increases serum concentrations of C1 esterase inhibitor, a mechanism recognized for stabilizing inherited immune-mediated disorders characterized by recurrent swelling.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH/MedlinePlus
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What side effects are possible with Danazol Polfarmex?

Possible side effects and safety information

The officially documented safety profile for Danazol reflects its potent activity as a gonadotropin inhibitor. The appearance of adverse reactions is classified by regulatory authorities based on frequency and system-organ class.


Androgenic and Common Adverse Reactions

The majority of effects are categorized as Common in official labeling and stem from the drug's hormonal mechanism. These include androgen-like manifestations such as weight gain, acne, seborrhea, and mild hirsutism. Hypo-estrogenic effects like amenorrhea (absence of periods), spotting, and reduction in breast size are also commonly documented. Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness or deepening of pitch, are considered androgenic effects and may persist after cessation of therapy.


Serious Systemic Risks and Safety Constraints

Regulatory documents highlight a critical group of serious adverse reactions. The medicine is associated with risks of Thromboembolism, including thrombotic events and potentially fatal strokes. Serious hepatotoxicity (liver damage) is documented, with reports of cholestatic jaundice, peliosis hepatis, and hepatic adenoma linked to long-term exposure. Another serious neurological risk is Benign Intracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri).


Population-Specific Safety Statements

Danazol carries several contraindications defined in regulatory labels. It is contraindicated in Pregnancy and Lactation due to the risk of androgenic effects on a female fetus. It is also contraindicated in patients with markedly impaired hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and in individuals with Porphyria. The labeling notes that the medicine can cause fluid retention, necessitating careful observation in patients with underlying conditions such as epilepsy or cardiac dysfunction.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Map: Overdose and when to seek help — Official Regulatory Information for Danazol Polfarmex

This profile is derived from authoritative governmental regulatory documents concerning Danazol overdosage and required emergency actions.


Overdose Scope

Element Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), severe stomach or abdominal pain, and dark urine are potential symptoms of overdosage mentioned in regulatory guidance.
Physiological systems affected (as stated in label) Potential effects on the hepatic system (indicated by jaundice and dark urine) and gastrointestinal system (severe abdominal pain).
Dose-related or exposure-related factors (if applicable) Information regarding the clinical presentation of acute, single-event overdosage is limited in the regulatory labels.
Population-specific overdose notes (if applicable) No population-specific guidance (e.g., pediatric, renal impairment) regarding overdose severity is explicitly detailed in the official overdose section.
Emergency-response statements (as written in official documents) Call a poison control center immediately (e.g., 1-800-222-1222).
When immediate medical help is required (label-derived phrasing only) Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911) if the person who overdosed has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Element Official Regulatory Statement
Severity classification (as defined in official documents) Official documents define specific conditions (collapse, seizure, trouble breathing, can't be awakened) that require immediate emergency attention.
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.) Primary basis for emergency response actions is derived from NIH/MedlinePlus Drug Information (consistent with federal guidance).
Overdose-context constraints (as defined in official documents) No specific antidote is known for Danazol overdosage. Management is generally limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • Immediate medical attention is required if the person has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.
  • The primary action mandated in case of overdosage is to call a poison control center immediately.
  • Manifestations of overdosage may include jaundice, severe abdominal pain, and dark urine.
  • Management of overdosage must focus on symptomatic and supportive treatment, as no specific pharmacological antidote is known.

Connection to the overall overdose profile (2–4 sentences): Official regulatory documents define the Danazol overdose profile not by specific acute symptoms but by a protocol for mandatory emergency action, specifically requiring immediate contact with a poison control center or emergency services for life-threatening clinical presentations. The official guidance emphasizes symptomatic and supportive care due to the lack of a known antidote. Regulatory labeling notes that overdosage may be associated with signs like jaundice and severe abdominal pain, highlighting the potential for hepatic system involvement.

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Therapeutic Uses of Danazol Polfarmex

Danazol Polfarmex is commonly used across distinct therapeutic domains where symptom management or disease prevention requires targeted hormonal or immune support, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden. The primary uses include three specific clinical situations: endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and hereditary angioedema.

The medication is generally applied in settings requiring long-term assistance in symptom stabilization or for a time-limited course to address groups of symptoms that cause noticeable interference with daily stability. It is used to help manage chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and abnormal bleeding patterns linked to endometriosis; to ease the manifestations of chronic breast pain and nodularity; and as prophylactic support to manage the recurrence of dangerous swelling attacks (episodic edema) in HAE.

“The primary benefit of this medication is to assist with maintaining functional stability by helping to manage the recurrence and intensity of these episodes across different systems.”


Quick Fact: Therapeutic Focus

Indication Category Symptom Management Focus Primary Therapeutic Goal
Gynecological Chronic pain, abnormal bleeding, tissue activity Supports the management of symptom stability
Breast Conditions Pain, tenderness, disruptive nodularity Eases discomfort and supports management of nodularity
Immune Disorder Recurrent, unpredictable swelling episodes Prophylactic support against severe attacks

The overall therapeutic goal is to help maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable, assisting with functional stability across these episodic or chronic conditions.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Danazol Polfarmex

This section summarizes official regulatory information defining population eligibility and non-eligibility for Danazol Polfarmex. The medicine is primarily established for use in adults who do not present with specific high-risk conditions, such as those with an androgen-dependent tumor.


Eligibility Status Restriction or Population
Absolute Contraindication Pregnancy and breastfeeding women, due to the risk of androgenic effects on the fetus/infant.
Absolute Contraindication Patients with markedly impaired hepatic, renal, or cardiac function or a history of thromboembolic disease.
Absolute Contraindication Patients with Porphyria, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, or prior hypersensitivity to danazol.
Conditional Use Patients with conditions susceptible to fluid retention (e.g., epilepsy, migraine, hypertension) require careful observation as stated in the label.
Not Established Pediatric patients (safety and effectiveness have not been established).
Restriction Treatment for fibrocystic breast disease requires that carcinoma of the breast is excluded before starting therapy.

The regulatory profile dictates strict exclusion based on organ integrity and physiological state. Use in older adults has not been supported by specific clinical studies, although no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date. Females of childbearing potential are typically required to obtain a negative pregnancy test and use non-hormonal contraception throughout treatment.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The officially documented interaction profile of Danazol Polfarmex details constraints across several therapeutic classes, focusing on changes in drug exposure and pharmacodynamic effects. A contraindication exists for co-administration with Simvastatin due to increased systemic exposure, which is formally linked to a heightened risk of serious muscle toxicity, including rhabdomyolysis. Other exposure-modifying interactions are documented, involving Danazol's capacity to raise the plasma levels of drugs like Cyclosporin and Tacrolimus through metabolic enzyme inhibition, a mechanism that increases the documented risk of associated renal toxicity. The concentration of Carbamazepine may also increase. Pharmacodynamic interactions are significant: co-administration with Oral Anticoagulants such as Warfarin is documented to cause a prolongation of prothrombin time, requiring close procedural monitoring. For diabetic patients, the regulatory profile states that Danazol can induce insulin resistance, officially necessitating increased insulin requirements when used alongside antidiabetic drugs. A critical administrative restriction is required for Hormonal Contraceptives, as Danazol is documented to decrease their effectiveness, mandating the use of an effective non-hormonal method of contraception throughout treatment. Additionally, Danazol may officially interfere with laboratory determinations of androgens.

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Mechanism of Action

How Danazol Polfarmex Works

Danazol Polfarmex modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It acts by suppressing the mid-cycle surge of LH and FSH and involves the inhibition of GnRH release, which alters specific cellular processes. Furthermore, it inhibits various steroidogenic enzymes, including P450 c17 ( 17-alpha -hydroxylase/17,20-lyase) and 3beta -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta -HSD).

This enzyme inhibition cascade leads to a reduction in the synthesis of sex steroids like estradiol and progesterone in the ovaries. Danazol also exerts direct inhibitory effects on the hepatic synthesis of sex hormone-binding globulin ( SHBG) and cortisol-binding globulin ( CBG). This results in a decreased level of circulating free sex steroids.

Separately, the drug directly acts as a weak androgen by binding to endometrial and ovarian receptors, which results in the modification of receptor and post-receptor signaling at the cellular level.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Danazol Polfarmex

Danazol Polfarmex is an oral capsule that must be administered according to specific, divided daily regimens. The total daily dose is to be taken in two or three divided doses and should be administered with food to maximize the extent of drug absorption (bioavailability).


Official Dosing Ranges and Duration

Indication Total Daily Dose Range Frequency and Duration Pattern
Endometriosis 200 mg to 800 mg Dose is divided and taken twice daily (BID). Treatment runs as an uninterrupted course for 3 to 9 months.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease 100 mg to 400 mg Dose is divided and taken twice daily (BID). Treatment is continued for 3 to 6 months.
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) 400 mg to 600 mg (Initial) Dose is divided and taken two or three times daily. After initial response, the dose is titrated downward in small decrements every 1–3 months to establish the lowest effective maintenance level.

Special Administration Requirements

For females who are of reproductive potential, therapy must officially begin during menstruation to exclude pregnancy, and an effective non-hormonal method of contraception must be used continuously throughout the entire course of treatment. If a dose is missed, the instruction is to take it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose is skipped, and doses should not be doubled. Safety and efficacy in the pediatric population have not been established.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Danazol Polfarmex

Evidence for Use in Endometriosis

Research was studied for use in conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes, such as endometriosis, in research exploring how symptoms change over time. The available evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. Studies monitored the size and activity of endometrial lesions using specialized imaging and focused on outcomes related to physical discomfort, including pelvic pain scores.

The findings describe patterns observed in the studies over defined treatment periods. Studies reported measurements indicating a reduction in the size of endometrial tissue in certain observed populations. However, findings were mixed across studies regarding the consistency of the measured outcomes related to physical discomfort.

Evidence for Use in Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

Evidence quality for this indication is generally consistent, largely derived from controlled trials and extensive long-term observational patient surveys. Studies primarily explored outcomes describing episodic or acute changes, specifically tracking the frequency and severity of dangerous swelling attacks. Research also monitored related biomarkers, such as changes in C1 esterase inhibitor and C4 complement protein levels. Studies reported measurements indicating increases in C1-INH protein levels in the blood.

While the research base is strong, the primary controlled trial that examined the potential for long-term support was conducted with a modest sample size. The most very long-term effects are not fully established by controlled research but rely instead on large-scale retrospective surveys.

What is Still Uncertain About Danazol Polfarmex Research

Long-term effects are not fully established by high-quality randomized trials across all indications. Major gaps exist where comparative evidence is lacking against other established therapies. Furthermore, because many foundational studies are older, evidence quality varies across studies, and certainty remains low when predicting outcomes many years into the future.

Key Studies & References

  1. Danazol (Drug Information) - C1 Esterase Inhibitor Mechanism (HAE Context)
  2. Danazol (Primary Uses Overview) - Endometriosis, Fibrocystic Breast Disease, and HAE Indications
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Danazol Polfarmex (FAQ)

Q: What makes Danazol Polfarmex a ‘synthetic steroid’ and what does that mean for my body?

Official information indicates that Danazol is a synthetic steroid compound chemically derived from ethisterone. This classification relates to the medicine's designed action of interfering with the body's natural hormone regulation. The intended effect of this process is the suppression of signals that control the ovaries and a reduction in the synthesis of certain sex steroids.

Q: What are the signs of rhabdomyolysis or severe muscle toxicity I should watch for while on this drug?

Rhabdomyolysis, a form of severe muscle toxicity, is a potential rare risk noted in regulatory documents, particularly when Danazol is combined with certain other medications like Simvastatin. Regulatory guidance notes that patients should be aware of the importance of reporting unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to a healthcare provider. This reporting is important, especially if the muscle issues occur alongside a general feeling of malaise or a fever.

Q: How soon after starting treatment should I expect to see improvement in my symptoms?

Official prescribing information indicates that the time until symptom improvement can vary depending on the condition being addressed. For example, in the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease, improvement in pain and tenderness is often observed during the first 1 to 3 months of continuous treatment. Studies referenced in official information often show improvement in breast nodularity after 4 to 6 months of uninterrupted therapy.

Q: Are there any known issues with Danazol Polfarmex and alcohol consumption?

Some official patient education materials advise that taking Danazol Polfarmex with alcohol may potentially cause adverse effects. These effects may include flushing, feeling sick, or experiencing shortness of breath. Consulting a healthcare professional is important to discuss individual circumstances regarding alcohol use with this medication.

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How should Danazol Polfarmex be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Storage Conditions and Stability

Requirement Official Statement
Temperature Store below 25°C.
Protection Protect from both light and moisture.
Handling Keep from freezing; avoid excess heat.
Packaging Keep the product in its original, tightly closed container.
Stability Do not use the medicine after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Safety and Disposal

The medicine must be kept strictly out of the sight and reach of children at all times.

Regulatory instructions mandate specific disposal procedures to protect the environment. Unused or expired Danazol Polfarmex must not be disposed of in household trash, down a sink, or into a toilet (wastewater). Instead, the medicine must be returned to a pharmacy or an official medicine take-back point for proper handling and disposal.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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