Dasatinib is primarily used to treat certain forms of leukemia.
What is Dasatinib?
Dasatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking proteins that promote the rapid growth of certain leukemia cells. In this way, it helps the bone marrow to produce healthy cells.
How should Dasatinib be taken?
Dasatinib is administered orally in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Dasatinib
Dasatinib may reduce the number of platelets in the blood and the ability to fight infections. It may also increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension.
Among the other possible side effects of dasatinib include the following:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Muscle or joint aches
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Changes in taste
- Insomnia
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Weakness
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Dark or bright red stools
- Bloody vomit
- Burning, numbness, or tingling
- Pain or tenderness in the calves or legs
- Variations in the amount of urine produced
- Pain in the chest, jaw or left arm
- Confusion
- Dark urine
- Dry cough
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Irritation or sores in the mouth
- Behavioral or mood changes
- Numbness in the arms or legs
- Redness, swelling, peeling or blistering of the skin
- Tinnitus
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent diarrhea, headache, muscle or bone pain, stomach pain or vomiting
- Severe or persistent tiredness or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage
- Symptoms of infections
- Bruising or bleeding
- Bloating or weight gain
- Vision problems
- Vomiting that looks like coffee
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Dasatinib
Dasatinib is contraindicated in case of intake of Histamine H2 antagonists, PPI or St. John's wort. It also needs to be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after any antacid. During treatment with dasatinib, it is advised not to eat grapefruit or drink its juice.
Dasatinib contains lactose. It can also compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol or other medicines.
Before starting treatment with dasatinib, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: anticoagulants, antiplatelets, aspirin, Fans, anthracyclines, anti-arrhythmic, arsenic,, astemizole, bepridilm chloroquine, citalopram, cisapride, crizotinib, dolasetron, domperidone, doxepin, droperidol, halofantrine, haloperidol, iloperidone, maprotiline, methadone, nortriptyline, ondansetron, paliperidone, pentamidine, phenothiazines, pimozide, quetiapine, quinolones, romidepsin, tacrolimus, terfenadine, tormifene, vandetanib, ziprasidone, azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, nefazodone, protease inhibitors, telithromycin, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, histamine H2 antagonists, hydantoins, nevirapine, phenobarbital, primidone, PPI, rifamycins, St. John's wort, alfentanil, cyclosporine, ergot derivatives, fentanyl, or sirolimus
- You have even been treated with imatinib or other therapies against leukemia
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from lactose intolerance, kidney problems, hepatic failure, blood disorders, immune or cardiac problems (particularly irregular heartbeat)
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Women who are taking dasatinib should use appropriate birth control methods.
It is also important to inform doctors, dentists and surgeons of any ongoing treatment with dasatinib.
