Dasatinib

Dasatinib Side Effects & Safe Usage

What is Dasatinib?

  • Type: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), a targeted cancer therapy.

  • Purpose: Treats Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemias:

    • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

    • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

How it Works

  • Blocks abnormal signals from the BCR-ABL protein (caused by the Philadelphia chromosome), stopping cancer cell growth.

Administration

  • Form: Tablets taken orally at home.

  • Dosing: Once daily, with/without food.

  • Key Instructions:

    • Take at the same time daily.

    • Swallow whole; do not crush/chew.

    • Avoid grapefruit (increases side effects).

    • Take antacids 2 hours before/after dose.

    • If missed, skip the dose; never double-dose.

How Often to Take Dasatinib

  • Dosage: Once daily, at the same time every day.

  • Administration: Take tablets whole with water; do not chew, break, or crush.

  • Food: Can be taken with or without food.

  • Avoid: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice (may increase side effects).

  • Missed Dose: Take the next dose at the usual time; do not double dose.

Monitoring & Safety

  • Regular blood tests to check blood counts, kidney/liver function.

  • Dose adjustments may be needed based on test results or side effects.

  • Storage: Room temperature; keep away from children

Common Side Effects (≥10% of Patients)

  • Infection risk (low white blood cells): Fever/chills, sore throat → Contact hospital immediately.

  • Bleeding/bruising (low platelets): Nosebleeds, rash-like spots → Seek urgent care.

  • Anemia (low red blood cells): Fatigue, dizziness → May require transfusion.

  • Fluid retention: Swelling (ankles/eyes), shortness of breath → Report chest pain/cough urgently.

  • Diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, skin changes (rash/dryness), headaches.

Serious/Rare Side Effects 

  • Lung/heart issues: Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat.

  • Brain bleed symptoms: Sudden severe headache, weakness, seizures.

  • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): Early treatment risk; prevented with fluids/medication.

  • Severe skin reactions: Blistering/peeling skin, high fever.

  • Hepatitis B reactivation: Past carriers need monitoring.

  • Blood clots: Leg swelling/redness, chest pain

Contact doctor immediately asap.

Treatment Duration

  • Continue dasatinib as long as it is effective and side effects are manageable.

  • Never stop taking without consulting your doctor.

Important Precautions

  • Drug interactions: Inform your team about all medications/supplements.

  • Vaccines: Avoid live vaccines (e.g., yellow fever); flu/COVID vaccines recommended.

  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Contraception required during and after treatment. Do not breastfeed.

  • Sun sensitivity: Use SPF 30+, wear protective clothing.

  • Medical/dental care: Inform providers you’re on dasatinib.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Team

  • Severe or worsening side effects.

  • Signs of infection (fever ≥37.5°C or <36°C, chills, sore throat, cough).

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

  • Breathlessness, chest pain, or sudden swelling.

  • Persistent diarrhea or vomiting.

  • Severe skin reactions (blistering, peeling, rash spreading).

  • Symptoms of blood clots (pain, swelling, redness in limbs; sudden breathlessness).

  • Any new or concerning symptoms.

Key Takeaway

Dasatinib is a targeted therapy effective for Ph+ leukemias but requires strict adherence to dosing and vigilant monitoring for side effects. Never stop taking it without consulting your oncology team. Open communication with your healthcare providers ensures safe and effective treatment.

For the most current information, consult your cancer team or the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).