Dasatinib 100mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. Take your medication at the same time every day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew, break, or crush it. If you have difficulty swallowing, consult your doctor.
Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling well. It's essential to handle this medication with care. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on how to handle it properly.
Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking your medication, as this may interfere with its effectiveness.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Some brands of this medication require storage in the original container, so do not remove the anti-moisture cube or packet. If you're unsure about the storage requirements, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the tablet whole; do not crush, cut, or chew it.
- Take with or without food, but consistently at the same time each day.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment, as they can increase the amount of dasatinib in your body.
- Avoid antacids, H2-receptor blockers (like famotidine), and proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) as they can reduce the absorption of dasatinib. If you need an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after your dasatinib dose. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Do not handle crushed or broken tablets directly; if contact occurs, wash immediately.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- Unusual bleeding or bruising (e.g., nosebleeds, bleeding gums, dark stools)
- Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands; sudden weight gain; shortness of breath; cough; chest pain (signs of fluid retention)
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (may indicate heart problems)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea/vomiting, or abdominal pain (signs of liver problems)
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- New or worsening shortness of breath, especially with exertion (may indicate pulmonary arterial hypertension)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced.
Certain health conditions, including low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
If you are taking any of the following medications:
+ Cimetidine
+ Dexlansoprazole
+ Esomeprazole
+ Famotidine
+ Lansoprazole
+ Nizatidine
+ Omeprazole
+ Pantoprazole
+ Rabeprazole
+ Ranitidine
Any other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial because many medications can interact with this drug, particularly those used to treat HIV, infections, or seizures.
* If you are breast-feeding. Please note that you should not breast-feed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe use. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular monitoring of your blood work, heart function, and lung function is crucial, as directed by your doctor.
If you follow a lactose-free diet, consult your doctor, as some formulations of this medication may contain lactose. Additionally, avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Blood-Related Risks
This medication may suppress the bone marrow's ability to produce essential blood cells, increasing the risk of bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor. To minimize the risk of infection, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with individuals who have infections, colds, or flu.
You may experience easier bleeding, so it is crucial to be cautious and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor to reduce the risk of bleeding. In rare cases, bleeding problems can be life-threatening.
Respiratory Risks
This medication may increase the risk of developing a severe lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension, which can occur at any time during treatment, even after more than a year. Discuss this risk with your doctor.
Age-Related Considerations
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
Reproductive Considerations
This medication has been shown to cause fertility problems in animal studies, which may affect your ability to conceive or father a child. Pregnant individuals should not handle crushed or broken tablets, and if accidental contact occurs, the area should be washed immediately with soap and water.
Pregnancy and Birth Control
This medication may harm the unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you may become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking this medication and for 30 days after the last dose, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor promptly.
If your partner may become pregnant, use birth control while taking this medication and for 30 days after the last dose, unless otherwise advised by your doctor. If your partner becomes pregnant, inform the doctor immediately.
Pediatric Considerations
If you are giving this medication to a child, consult your doctor if the child's weight changes, as the dosage may need to be adjusted. This medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Discuss this with your doctor.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe myelosuppression (very low blood counts)
- Significant fluid retention
- Cardiac abnormalities (e.g., QT prolongation)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US). Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John's Wort)
Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, grapefruit juice) - require dasatinib dose reduction
- Antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide) - separate administration by at least 2 hours
- H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine) - avoid concomitant use
- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) - avoid concomitant use
- QT prolonging drugs (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol, cisapride, pimozide, thioridazine, moxifloxacin, halofantrine) - use with caution
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk)
Moderate Interactions
- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil) - use with caution, consider dose reduction
- Moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., efavirenz, modafinil) - use with caution, consider dose increase
Minor Interactions
- Not specifically listed as minor, but any drug affecting gastric pH or CYP3A4 could have some interaction.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline hematologic parameters and monitor for myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline hepatic function and monitor for hepatotoxicity.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline renal function.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline electrolyte levels, especially important for cardiac safety (QT prolongation risk).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline cardiac rhythm and QT interval, especially if patient has pre-existing cardiac conditions or is on QT-prolonging medications.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy (if clinically indicated)
Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for fluid retention (pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Weekly for the first month, then monthly or as clinically indicated
Target: Maintain ANC >1.0 x 10^9/L, Platelets >50 x 10^9/L
Action Threshold: Dose interruption or reduction for Grade 3/4 myelosuppression
Frequency: Monthly or as clinically indicated
Target: Within normal limits or baseline
Action Threshold: Dose interruption or reduction for Grade 3/4 hepatotoxicity
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., at each visit)
Target: Absence of new or worsening fluid retention
Action Threshold: Manage with diuretics, dose interruption/reduction, or other supportive care for significant fluid retention (e.g., pleural effusion, pericardial effusion)
Frequency: As clinically indicated, especially if on diuretics or with cardiac risk factors
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Correct hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia to minimize QT prolongation risk
Frequency: As clinically indicated, especially if new cardiac symptoms or risk factors for QT prolongation develop
Target: Normal QT interval
Action Threshold: Dose interruption or reduction for significant QT prolongation (e.g., QTc >500 ms)
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising (petechiae, epistaxis, GI bleeding)
- Signs of fluid retention (shortness of breath, cough, swelling in ankles/feet, rapid weight gain, chest pain)
- Cardiac symptoms (palpitations, dizziness, syncope)
- Signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension (dyspnea, fatigue, peripheral edema)
- Signs of hepatotoxicity (jaundice, dark urine, severe nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain)
- Fatigue, headache, rash, diarrhea, nausea, musculoskeletal pain
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Dasatinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on animal studies and its mechanism of action. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 30 days after the last dose. Males with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 90 days after the last dose.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
There are no data on the presence of dasatinib in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Sprycel and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Pediatric Use
Approved for pediatric patients with chronic phase CML and Ph+ ALL. Dosing is based on body surface area (BSA). Pediatric patients may experience similar adverse reactions as adults, with some differences in incidence (e.g., musculoskeletal pain, growth retardation). Close monitoring is required.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is required based on age. However, elderly patients (≥65 years) may have an increased incidence of certain adverse events, including fluid retention (e.g., pleural effusion, pericardial effusion) and cardiac events. Close monitoring for these events is recommended.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Dasatinib is a potent TKI effective against imatinib-resistant CML and Ph+ ALL.
- Fluid retention, particularly pleural effusion, is a common and important adverse event. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms, and manage with diuretics or dose modification.
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia) is frequent and requires regular CBC monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but serious adverse event. Patients presenting with new or worsening dyspnea should be evaluated for PAH.
- QT prolongation can occur; monitor ECG and electrolytes, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or on concomitant QT-prolonging medications.
- Strict adherence to drug interaction guidelines, especially regarding gastric pH-altering agents and CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers, is crucial for efficacy and safety.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of reporting any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
Alternative Therapies
- Imatinib (Gleevec)
- Nilotinib (Tasigna)
- Bosutinib (Bosulif)
- Ponatinib (Iclusig)
- Asciminib (Scemblix)