Dasatinib

Uses of Dasatinib

Dasatinib is a cancer medicine that slows the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Dasatinib is used in adults and children to treat a type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Dasatinib is also used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults and children.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking dasatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as lactose), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, current/recent infection, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat), liver problems (such as hepatitis B).

Dasatinib may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using dasatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using dasatinib safely.

Dasatinib can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you are using dasatinib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

This medication may affect a child’s bone growth and development. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially diarrhea, swelling hands/ankles/feet, sudden/unexplained weight gain, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, and QT prolongation (see above).

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using dasatinib. Dasatinib may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Men and women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 30 days after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose of Dasatinib for Leukemia:

Chronic Phase CML: 100 mg orally once a day
Accelerated Phase CML, Myeloid or Lymphoid Blast Phase CML, Ph+ ALL: 140 mg orally once a day

Usual Pediatric Dose of Dasatinib for Leukemia:

Body weight of 10 kg to less than 20 kg: 40 mg orally once a day
Body weight of 20 kg to less than 30 kg: 60 mg orally once a day
Body weight of 30 kg to less than 45 kg: 70 mg orally once a day
Body weight of at least 45 kg: 100 mg orally once a day

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• headache, muscle pain, pain in your hands or feet;
• breathing problems;
• skin rash; or
• feeling tired.