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Dasatinib

Chemotherapy

Brand names:

Sprycel®

Often used for:

Leukemia

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About Dasatinib

Dasatinib is a type of chemotherapy called targeted therapy. It works by stopping the action of a specific protein that signals cancer cells to multiply.

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May be taken as a tablet by mouth

 
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Possible side effects

  • Pain, burning, or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Rash, redness and peeling of skin
  • Swelling, redness, sores and pain inside the mouth
  • Swelling of eyes, arms, and legs
  • Dry cough
  • Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia and/or fatigue)
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea

 

  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Symptoms of infection: fever, sore throat, chills
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
  • Coughing up pink or bloody mucus
  • Headache

Not all patients who take dasatinib will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

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Possible late effects

Some patients may experience long-term or late effects of treatment that may continue or develop months or years after treatment ends. Possible late effects due to dasatinib include:

  • Slowed growth
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Tips for families

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Patients should not take antacids (such as ranitidine) within 2 hours before or after taking dasatinib, unless recommended by a doctor.
  • Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after completion of therapy.
  • Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Avoid drinking grapefruit or Seville orange-containing beverages and eating grapefruit or Seville oranges while taking this medication.
  • Caregivers should follow instructions for safe handling and disposal of the medicine and avoid contact with patient body fluids. Patient body fluids can contain the drug for 48 hours after it is given.

Dasatinib at home:

  • Take medicine at the same time each day.
  • Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
  • A large number of tablets may be needed to make up the total dose. Talk to your care team about ways to make swallowing medicine easier. 
  • Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or break before swallowing.
  • In case of a missed dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time. 
  • Store dasatinib at room temperature.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
  • Follow instructions for safe handling and disposal.

Dasatinib resources

Learn More About Dasatinib

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.