Dasatinib is an anticancer agent which was approved for its medical use on 28th June 2006.

Dasatinib Tablet has been developed to treat Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults, adolescents and children who have not benefitted from previous therapies. It is also approved for treating chronic myeloid leukemia.

The recommended starting dose for adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia is 140 mg per day. The ideal dose for children is calculated based on their body weight.

Dasatinib is available as a tablet in doses 20mg, 50mg, 70mg, and 100mg. It is advisable to take the tablets at the same time each day. Swallow them whole with some water and do not crush, cut or chew them.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Dasatinib Tablet are diarrhoea, headache, cough, rash, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle pain, weakness, low appetite, blood pressure fluctuations. Contact your health-care provider right away if you notice unusual bleeding, bruising, changes in consciousness, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, fever or infection.

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting, unusual bleeding, bruising without any injury, fever, infection, sore throat, or peeling of the skin. Your physician will monitor your condition through regular blood tests to check whether this medicine works for you. Dasatinib is not recommended in case of allergies, hepatitis B infection, and problems in the liver and heart. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are taking or have recently taken other medicines or herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. Dasatinib Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable for both men and women to use effective contraception during this treatment.

Exercise caution while driving or operating machines, and immediately reach out to your healthcare practitioner in case of side effects such as dizziness and blurred vision. Inform your doctor before starting this treatment if you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance.

1. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.