DASATINIB
Background and Date of Approval
Dasatinib is an anticancer agent that received approval for medical use on 28 June 2006.
Uses
Dasatinib Tablet has been developed to treat Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults, adolescents and children who have not benefitted from previous therapies. It is also approved for treating chronic myeloid leukemia.
How is it administered?
The recommended starting dose for adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia is 140 mg per day. The ideal dose for children is calculated based on their body weight. Dasatinib is available as a tablet in doses 20mg, 50mg, 70mg, and 100mg. It is advisable to take the tablets at the same time each day. Swallow them whole with some water and do not crush, cut or chew them.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Dasatinib Tablet are diarrhoea, headache, cough, rash, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle pain, weakness, low appetite, blood pressure fluctuations. Contact your health-care provider right away if you notice unusual bleeding, bruising, changes in consciousness, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, fever or infection.
Warnings
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting, unusual bleeding, bruising without any injury, fever, infection, sore throat, or peeling of the skin. Your physician will monitor your condition through regular blood tests to check whether this medicine works for you. Dasatinib is not recommended in case of allergies, hepatitis B infection, and problems in the liver and heart. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are taking or have recently taken other medicines or herbal supplements.
Precautions
Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. Dasatinib Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable for both men and women to use effective contraception during this treatment.
Word of Advice
Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. If you experience side effects such as dizziness or blurred vision, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Inform your doctor before beginning treatment if you have lactose intolerance.
References
Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Langeâs Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not take with dasatinib tablet?
It is not recommended to take dasatinib tablet along with ketoconazole, itraconazole, Erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, Omeprazole, St John's wort and antacids like aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.
Is it safe for women with reproductive potential to use Dasatinib Tablet?
Dasatinib Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable for both men and women to use effective contraception during this treatment.
Is it safe to undergo surgery during the treatment with Dasatinib Tablet?
Dasatinib Tablet is associated with an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Hence it is important to seek advice from your physician if you are planning to undergo surgery or dental procedures during this treatment.
How long should you take dasatinib tablet?
Take dasatinib tablet until your healthcare provider tells you to stop. It is advisable to take them for as long as it is prescribed to you.
What to do if Dasatinib tablet breaks?
It is unlikely for dasatinib tablets to break, but if they do, the patient's caregiver should use gloves while handling them.
What are the common side effects of Dasatinib tablet?
The most common side effects associated with Dasatinib tablets are diarrhea, headache, cough, rash, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle pain, weakness, low appetite, and blood pressure fluctuations.
When should you contact your doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting, unusual bleeding, bruising without any injury, fever, infection, sore throat, or peeling of the skin.