Dasatinib

What is Dasatinib?

Dasatinib slows down the spread and growth of cancerous cells. Dasatinib can be used to treat adults and children with a blood cancer known as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia. Dasatinib can also be used in the treatment of adults and children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have Philadelphia chromosomes.

Warnings

Dasatinib is a type of cancer drug that is used to slow the spread and growth of cancerous cells within the body. Dasatinib lowers blood cells, which help the body fight infections and clot blood. It is possible that you will bleed or get infected more often. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising or signs that an infection is present (fever chills the body), call your doctor. Dasatinib can cause pulmonary arterial hypotension, a serious but rare condition. If not treated promptly, PAH can become fatal. Speak to your doctor regarding your risk of developing PAH.

Before you take this drug

Dasatinib can cause a serious but rare condition known as pulmonary arterial hypotension. This occurs when the blood pressure inside your lungs' arteries increases. It is harder for the heart to pump blood into the lungs. This also causes the muscles of the heart to weaken. If not treated promptly, PAH can become fatal.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that dasatinib will be safe for you:

• A weak immune system, caused by illness or certain medications.
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood could indicate deficiencies.
• Long QT Syndrome
• Lung disease;
• Lactose intolerance.

Dasatinib can harm an unborn child. A pregnancy test may be necessary to confirm that you're not pregnant. While taking dasatinib, and at least for 30 days following your last dose, use effective birth control. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Dasatinib may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy in either the mother or father. Men and women alike should use birth control in order to avoid pregnancy, as the medication can cause harm to an unborn child. While taking dasatinib, you should refrain from breastfeeding for 2 weeks following your last dose.

How to take Dasatinib?

Follow your doctor's instructions and take dasatinib only as directed. Read and follow all instructions that accompany your medication, as the dose could change at times due to doctor advice. Dasatinib can be taken either with or without food and at approximately the same time each day. Take your dose at approximately the same time to maintain consistent results.  Do not chew or crush the tablet. Avoid taking a broken tablet. A broken or crushed tablet may contain dangerous medicine if you accidentally get it in your mouth, nose, or eyes. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, then rinse your eyes. When handling broken tablets or capsules, wear rubber gloves. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on how to dispose of the pill safely. Pregnant women should never handle broken pills. Dasatinib lowers blood cells, which help the body fight infection and clot your blood. You will have to test your blood frequently. These tests may delay your cancer treatment. You should not stop taking dasatinib or change the dose without consulting your doctor. Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

Details on dosage

Adult dose of Dasatinib:

The chronic phase of CML is 100mg orally, once per day.
All: 140mg orally, once daily, for Accelerated Phase CML (myeloid, lymphoid, or blast phase CML).
Comments:
The treatment should continue until the disease progresses or there are unacceptable toxic side effects.
The effect of stopping therapy once a complete cytogenetic reaction is obtained has not yet been studied.
Uses:
For the treatment of adult patients with chronic myeloid lymphoma (CML), newly diagnosed as having chromosomes positive for Philadelphia (Ph+),
For the treatment of adult patients with CML in the myeloid blast phase, lymphoid or thymoid, with or without resistance to previous therapy, including imatinib
For the treatment of adult patients with Philadelphia-chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic (Ph+) leukemia who have shown resistance to or tolerance towards prior therapies

The usual pediatric dose of dasatinib in leukemia:

Weight of less than or equal to 20 kg: Orally take 40 mg once per day.
Weight of less than or equal to 30 kg: oral 60 mg once daily
Weight of less than or equal to 45kg: Orally take 70mg once per day.
Weight of the body at least 45kg: Orally 100mg once per day
Comments:
The recommended dosage for starting is determined by body weight.
The dose must be calculated every three months, or even more frequently, based on changes in body weight.
Patients with Ph+ should all begin therapy at or before the 15th day of induction chemotherapy when their diagnosis has been confirmed. They must continue treatment for two years.
Patients weighing under 10 kg should not take tablets.
Uses:
For the treatment of Ph+ CML in the chronic phase
For the combination of chemotherapy and Ph+, all newly diagnosed

What happens if I miss the dose?

If it's close to time for your next dose, skip any that was missed. Never take more than one dose at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you believe someone may have consumed poison, or seek immediate medical advice.

What should be avoided?

Grapefruit can interact with dasatinib, causing side effects. Do not consume grapefruit while using this medication. You should not take an antacid for at least 2 hours after or before you have taken dasatinib. Dasatinib can be less absorbed by your body if you take or-containing antacids. Stay away from people with infections or illnesses . If you suspect an infection, seek medical help immediately.

Side effects of Dasatinib

If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face, throat or nose, or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, blistering or peeling skin, or red or purple rash) then seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms that should alert you to visit your physician immediately include.

• Feeling tired and short of breath, even with mild exercise.
• You may experience swelling in your lower legs or abdomen, as well as in your feet.
• Blue lips and blue skin
• Feeling light-headed as though they could pass out.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• Severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• Symptoms include severe headaches and extreme fatigue, as well as muscle or joint pain.
• Shortness of breath; pain while breathing (especially lying down);
• Rapid weight gain and swelling
• Chest pains, shortness of breath, heartbeats pounding or fluttering, or vision or speech problems
• Easy bruising or bleeding, such as in the nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina;
• Liver problems: tiredness, itchiness, dark urine, and clay-colored stools; jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes).
• Other signs of bleeding include blood in urine, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or blood looking like coffee grounds; confusion; headache; and problems speaking.
• Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, and skin sores; pale skin; cold hands, feet, or fingers.
• Signs of tumor cell breakdown: fatigue, weakness, cramps in the muscles, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; fast or slow pulse rate.

Dasatinib can affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking this medication, tell your doctor.

Common dasatinib side effects may include:

• Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
• Pain in the hands, feet, or muscles;
• Breathing problems
• Skin rash;
• Feeling tired?

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report adverse reactions by calling the FDA's information line at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking. Dasatinib can increase the risk of bleeding that is severe or even fatal, particularly if you are also taking a blood-thinning medication or other medications to prevent blood clots. Dasatinib can cause interactions with other drugs. Some drugs shouldn't be taken together. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking, as well as any new ones. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions.