Dasatinib (By mouth)

Introduction:

Dasatinib (da-SA-ti-nib)

Treats cancer of the white blood cells called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Brand Name(s):

Sprycel

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor has told you to. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without first talking with your doctor.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other medicines that you should not use together with dasatinib. This includes prescription, non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you use.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat bacterial infections (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, Biaxin®, E-Mycin®, or Ketek®), medicine to treat fungus infections (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, Nizoral®, or Sporanox®), medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Reyataz®, or Viracept®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or aspirin.
• Tell your doctor if you also use alfentanil (Alfenta®), astemizole (Hismanal®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), cisapride (Propulsid®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), dexamethasone (Decadron®), fentanyl (Duragesic®), nefazodone (Remeron®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), pimozide (Orap®), quinidine (Cardioquin®), rifabutin (Mycobutin®), rifampicin (Rimactane®), simvastatin (Zocor®), sirolimus (Rapamune®), tacrolimus (Prograf®), terfenadine (Seldane®), ergot medicines (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, Cafergot®, D.H.E. 45®, Ergomar®, Migranal®, or Wigraine®), or St. John's Wort.
• If you are using antacids (such as Maalox®, Tums®, or Rolaids®), take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take dasatinib. Tell your doctor if you also use stomach medicines such as cimetidine (Tagamet®), famotidine (Pepcid®), ranitidine (Zantac®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), esomeprazole (Nexium®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®), or lansoprazole (Prevacid®).
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. Some forms of birth control include condoms, diaphragms, or birth control pills.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, anemia, bleeding problems, certain heart problems (such as QT prolongation), low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood, fluid problems (edema), or problems when taking lactose.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain.
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Red or black stools.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble with swallowing.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Unusually large abdomen.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Breast enlargement (in males).
• Depression, anxiety, or confusion.
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or stomach pain.
• Dry, irritated eyes.
• Hair loss.
• Increased sweating.
• Loss of appetite.
• Mild headache.
• Muscle or joint pain or stiffness.
• Nail changes, dry skin, or skin rash or itching.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Tiredness.
• Trouble with sleeping.
• Unusual taste in your mouth.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
• Weight loss.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: