Dasatinib (By mouth)
da-SA-ti-nib
Treats leukemia.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent, Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Dasatinib is used to treat different types of leukemia. Leukemia is a type of cancer where the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells. It belongs to the general group of medicines known as antineoplastics or cancer medicines. Dasatinib interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, break, or chew it.
Do not handle crushed or broken tablets. Wear disposable gloves if you need to handle broken tablets. This is especially important for pregnant women.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Skip the missed dose, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how dasatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Carbamazepine, cisapride, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, fentanyl, nefazodone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, quinidine, rifabutin, rifampin, simvastatin, sirolimus, St John’s wort, tacrolimus, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, telithromycin, voriconazole, atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir Blood thinner, including warfarin Ergot medicine (including dihydroergotamine, ergotamine) Heartburn or stomach medicine, including famotidine, omeprazoleIf you use an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take dasatinib.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dasatinib or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for 30 days after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you are lactose intolerant.
This medicine can cause the following problems:
Pleural effusion (fluid build-up around your lungs) Heart or heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation Pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in your lungs) Serious skin reactions Tumor lysis syndromeThis medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain
Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unusual weakness or tiredness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Mild tiredness
Muscle pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Sprycel
There may be other brand names for this medicine.