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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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This information is about a drug called dasatinib, which is also known as Sprycel®. It may be used to treat people with chronic myeloid leukaemia| (CML). It can also be used to treat adults with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia| (ALL).
Dasatinib is a type of drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor|. It works by blocking (inhibiting) signals within the leukaemia cells that make them grow and divide. Blocking the signals makes the cells die.
Dasatinib may be used as a treatment for people who have CML or Ph+ ALL that's no longer responding to imatinib (Glivec®)|. It's also used for people who aren't able to take imatinib because of its side effects.
Although dasatinib is licensed and can be prescribed in the UK, it's currently being assessed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE|). NICE currently gives advice on which new drugs or treatments should be available on the NHS. As a result, dasatinib may not be widely available on the NHS. You may be given it as part of a clinical trial. Dasatinib has been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (an organisation similar to NICE) for some people with CML.
Dasatinib is taken by mouth as a tablet, normally once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. It's available as 20mg, 50mg, 70mg or 100mg tablets. The tablets should be taken with a large glass of water with or without a meal. They should not be crushed or broken. You will usually continue to take dasatinib for as long as it is controlling your cancer.
Each person's reaction to dasatinib is different. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more. The side effects described here won't affect everyone having this treatment. If you notice any effects that aren’t listed here, discuss them with your doctor.
The side effects of dasatinib are generally mild or moderate and usually stop once treatment finishes. However, sometimes more serious problems can occur. Side effects are most common during the first two months of treatment and may begin to gradually disappear after this.
However, late side effects can occur. Check with your doctor if any side effects continue or are troublesome.
Dasatinib can temporarily reduce the numbers of white blood cells made in your body. This can make you more prone to infection|. Your blood cell numbers (blood count) will be monitored while you're taking dasatinib. If the blood count is too low, your doctor may ask you to stop taking dasatinib or reduce the dose for a while.
Dasatinib can reduce the production of platelets, which help the blood clot. Having low numbers of platelets increases your chance of bleeding, and this can affect people in different ways. Tell your doctor straight away if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in your urine or stools, blood spots or rashes on the skin. If this happens, you may need to have a platelet transfusion|. If the number of platelets in your blood is too low, your doctor may ask you to stop taking dasatinib or reduce the dose for a while.
You may become anaemic while having treatment with dasatinib. This may make you feel tired| and breathless|. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have these symptoms. You may need to have a blood transfusion| if the number of red blood cells becomes too low.
This can affect different parts of your body. Most commonly it causes swelling of the ankles or swelling around the eyes. Fluid retention often settles without treatment, but if it doesn't, drugs that make you pass more urine (diuretics) can help get rid of some of the fluid. A short course of steroids may also be helpful.
Sometimes fluid may collect in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion|). Rarely, it may collect in the abdominal space (ascites|) or in the sac around the heart (pericardial effusion).
If you develop a cough, chest pain, feel more breathless than usual or if you gain weight suddenly, tell your doctor straight away.
You may have frequent or loose bowel movements. Tell your doctor if this is severe or if it continues. It's important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea|.
Your doctor can prescribe effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting|. If the sickness isn't controlled, or if it continues,tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective. It may also help to take your tablet with food.
These are common. Let your doctor know if you get headaches as painkillers can be given to help.
Some people have muscle, joint or bone pain while on treatment. Your doctor can prescribe painkillers| if you're affected by muscle and bone pain.
Rashes, dryness, itching, increased sweating or greater sensitivity to sunlight are quite common. These side effects are usually mild. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you have any of these skin changes. They can advise you about creams or lotions to use, or prescribe medicines to relieve itching.
Fatigue| is common but usually mild. It's important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Some people have pain or discomfort in their tummy when taking dasatinib.
Your eyes may become dry or you may notice changes to how well you can see (blurred vision). In some people, this may affect their ability to drive safely. Tell your doctor if you notice any of these changes.
If you don't feel like eating| it may be helpful to speak to a dietitian at the hospital.
Some people have episodes of dizziness or feel light-headed at times. Tell your doctor if you have this. It may also affect your ability to drive.
Occasionally dasatinib can cause tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. This may make tasks such as doing up small buttons difficult. Tell your doctor if this affects you.
Your mouth may become sore| and you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as they can prescribe mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear mouth infections.
It usually helps to drink plenty of fluids, eat a high-fibre diet and take gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take medicines to stimulate your bowel|. Your doctor can prescribe these.
A small number of people may notice a change in their heart rhythm. Heartbeats may become less regular or the heart my feel as if it is beating too fast. If you notice any changes in your heart rhythm, tell your doctor immediately.
It's important to let your doctor know straight away if you feel unwell or have any severe side effects, even if they're not mentioned above.
Some medicines can interact with dasatinib and may make it less effective or increase side effects. Always tell your doctor about any other medicine you're taking, including those bought over the counter and herbal medicines|.
It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking dasatinib. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug and for at least a few months afterwards. You can discuss this with your doctor.
More research needs to be done to find out how dasatinib may affect fertility|.
Dasatinib may be passed on in breast milk. Breastfeeding should be stopped before starting treatment.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
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