Dasatinib

What is dasatinib?

Dasatinib (also called Sprycel®) is an anti-cancer medicine. Dasatinib is taken by mouth. It is available as a 20 mg, 50 mg, and 70 mg tablet.

How to take dasatinib

• Read the directions on the bottle carefully to make sure you take this medicine correctly.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew tablets.
• Dasatinib can be taken with or without food. If this medicine causes stomach upset, it may be taken with food.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking dasatinib.

Possible side effects of dasatinib

Early

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Feeling tired
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Cough
• Low blood counts with higher chance for infection, bleeding, and anemia

Later

• Swelling especially in your feet and legs
• Muscle pain

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for dasatinib

• Because dasatinib may cause birth defects, do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Both men and women who are taking dasatinib should use effective birth control methods.
• It is not known whether dasatinib passes into breast milk. This medicine might cause serious harm to a nursing infant. Women who are taking dasatinib should not breast-feed a baby.
• Dasatinib tablets should be stored at room temperature.
• Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Other medicine may affect the way dasatinib works. Always give a complete list of medicines you are taking to your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new vitamins, herbals, or other medicine.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Do not take antacids within 4 hours of taking dasatinib.
• If you miss a dose, follow these guidelines:
  • Take the missed dose right away unless it is almost time for the next dose.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you skip a dose.
  • Never take a double dose or extra doses.

Safe handling of dasatinib

All chemotherapy drugs taken by mouth can pose a health hazard to caregivers and patients. You should be careful when handling this medicine and try to keep the drug from touching the skin. Taking precautions will ensure that both the patient and the caregiver are protected as well as possible.

• Prepare a clean area where the drug can be handled safely (away from areas where food is prepared, out of the reach of children, and out from under any air vents or fans).
• We suggest you or the caregiver wear gloves while handling this medicine. Wash your hands right away if your skin comes in contact with the medicine.
• Carefully wash tablet cutters with warm soapy water after each use and allow to dry. Completely clean up any spills in the area where the medicine is prepared.