DrugDigest  
 
    Search
 
  Drugs & Herbs
  Conditions
  News & Reviews
7 Steps to Safety
Check For Savings
Senior Corner
Glossary
eBulletins
Home
Express Scripts Member?

Drugs & Vitamins

Printable Version Dasatinib Tablets

Active Ingredients: Dasatinib
Other Names: Sprycel Tablets
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Dasatinib Tablets?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Dasatinib Tablets? (Back to top)
DASATINIB is a chemotherapy drug. It targets specific proteins within cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat some kinds of leukemia. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding problems
  • heart disease
  • heart failure
  • infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
  • irregular heartbeat
  • liver disease
  • low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
  • take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to dasatinib, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium within 2 hours of taking this medicine. You can take such antacids up to 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medicine. Avoid taking all other medicines that reduce stomach acid.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take your next scheduled dose at its regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. Talk to your doctor if you are not sure what to do.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
  • pimozide
  • St. John's Wort
  • stomach acid blockers like cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine, or omeprazole

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • alfentanil
  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
  • aspirin
  • carbamazepine
  • certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)
  • cisapride
  • cyclosporine
  • dexamethasone
  • fentanyl
  • medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin
  • medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin
  • rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
  • sirolimus
  • tacrolimus
  • warfarin

Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
  • acetaminophen
  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen
  • ketoprofen
  • naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
    You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
  • signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
  • signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, nosebleeds
  • signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness
  • breathing problems
  • dry cough
  • fast, irregular heartbeat
  • swelling of the legs or ankles, or other parts of the body
  • sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
  • sudden weight gain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment unless your doctor tells you to stop. You will need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine. Males who take this medicine should use a condom to avoid pregnancy in their partner.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:April 04, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Dasatinib Tablets

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Dasatinib Tablets, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



Printable Version     Recommend this page to a friend