Acute pancreatitis due to Danazol in a patient of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Abstract

Background: An exhaustive list of the drugs causing the acute pancreatitis did not include danazol as one of the drugs. Moreover, the standard textbook of pharmacology did not include acute pancreatitis as one of the side effects of danazol. We report a patient of  danazol induced acute pancreatitis.
Case presentation: A 41-year-old gentleman had been diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The patient had been started on Tab.Prednisolone-1mg/kg/day and Tab. Danazo l- 200mg/bd. After a month, the patient presented with acute abdomen with pain in the
epigastrium radiating to the back. Investigations confirmed acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury.
We have diagnosed acute pancreatitis due to Danazol.The patient improved with the stoppage of danazol and support of dialysis.
Discussion: Eventhough eculizumab and ravulizumab are currently the preferred treatments for PNH, government-run facilities continue to employ steroids and danazol. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of this side effect.
Conclusion: We reported acute pancreatitis caused by danazol in a patient of PNH. We did not attempt to re-challenge our patient with the danazol for the evident reason that the underlying PNH could become life-threatening.