Dasatinib is used to treat a certain type of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML; a type of cancer of the white blood cells), including treatment in people who can no longer benefit from other medications for leukemia including imatinib (Gleevec) or who cannot take these medications because of side effects. Dasatinib is also used to treat a certain type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in people who can no longer benefit from other medications for leukemia or who cannot take these medications because of side effects. Dasatinib is in a class of medications called protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.
Dasatinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, in the morning or the evening, with or without food. Take dasatinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dasatinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor may adjust your dose of dasatinib depending on your response to treatment and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment.
Continue to take dasatinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dasatinib without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication..
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
muscle pain
weakness
joint pain
pain, burning or tingling in the hands or the feet
skin rash
skin redness
peeling skin
swelling, redness and pain inside the mouth
mouth sores
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
constipation
stomach pain or swelling
loss of appetite
weight loss
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
swelling of the eyes, hands, arms, feet, ankles or lower legs
sudden weight gain
difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
coughing up pink or bloody mucus
dry cough
chest pain that gets worse when coughing, sneezing or breathing deeply
chest pressure
dizziness
fainting
rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
headache
tiredness
confusion
unusual bruising or bleeding
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
slow or difficult speech
weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
Dasatinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
unusual bruising or bleeding
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
shortness of breath
fast heartbeat
headache
pale skin
confusion
tiredness
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to dasatinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 08/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.