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Dasatinib ( da-SA-tih-nib ) (Sprycel®) What is this medication used for? Dasatinib is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myelogenous leukemia that is Philadelphia chromosome positive. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
• Vomiting • Swelling of arms, legs, hands or feet (peripheral edema • Infection • Liver changes or decrease in liver function • Weight gain or loss • Dizziness or sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, giddiness, spinning, or rocking • Cough • Hair loss (alopecia) • Itching (pruritis) • Acne • Reddening of the face with feelings of warmth Special instructions: • This medication should be taken around the same time every day, either in the morning or evening. • If a dose is forgotten, skip that dose, then continue the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. • Tablet should be swallowed, not split, chewed, or crushed. • This medication can be taken with or without food but not with grapefruit juice or within 2 hours of antacids. • Heart tests and liver tests are done before this drug is given and at times during treatment to check how well the heart and liver are working. • Consult your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant, fathering a child, or breastfeeding. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
What does it look like? • Tablet How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Low blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, or neutrophils) • Increased risk of an infection and/or bleeding • Diarrhea • Nausea • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Muscle pain • Headache or head pain • Shortness of breath caused by fluid buildup between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity • Skin rash with the presence of flat discolored areas (macules) and raised bumps (papules) What are the less common side effects? • Heart changes or decrease in the heart’s function
• Pain in the abdomen (belly) • Feeling of fullness (bloating)
• Damage to the intestine, which could lead to bleeding or vomiting of blood and may be serious and life-threatening • Irritation or sores in the lining of the digestive tract including the mouth, gut, rectum, and anus • Constipation • Acid or upset stomach (i.e., heartburn) • Erosion or sores (ulcer) in the lining of the digestive tract, throat, voice box, and windpipe, which can result in pain and/or bleeding
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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