Dasatinib anhydrous at a glance
Medicine class
BCR-ABL and SRC-family protein kinase inhibitor
Main uses
Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia and selected acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Administration
Swallow tablets whole; they may be taken with or without food
Avoid
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase dasatinib exposure
What is Dasatinib anhydrous used for?
The selected product is licensed for these Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukaemias:
Adults with newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
Adults with chronic, accelerated or blast-phase CML resistant or intolerant to previous treatment, including imatinib.
Adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), or lymphoid blast CML, resistant or intolerant to previous treatment.
Children with newly diagnosed chronic-phase CML, or chronic-phase CML resistant or intolerant to previous treatment including imatinib.
Children with newly diagnosed ALL when used with chemotherapy.
How does Dasatinib anhydrous work?
Philadelphia-positive leukaemia cells produce the abnormal BCR-ABL kinase, which drives cell growth and survival. Dasatinib blocks BCR-ABL and related kinases, including SRC-family kinases, reducing signals that allow leukaemia cells to multiply.
Dasatinib anhydrous preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg
How to take Dasatinib anhydrous
Take dasatinib exactly as directed by the specialist team.
Swallow film-coated tablets whole; do not crush, cut, chew or disperse them.
It can be taken with or without a meal.
Do not take it with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Check with the specialist team before changing between tablets and an oral suspension because the formulations are not bioequivalent.
Dasatinib anhydrous side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced blood-cell counts, which may cause anaemia, infection, bruising or bleeding
- Headache
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Skin rash
- Muscle, joint or bone pain
- Tiredness or fever
- Fluid retention, including ankle, facial or limb swelling
- Breathlessness or fluid around the lungs
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever, sore throat or other signs of serious infection
- Unusual or heavy bleeding, black stools, vomiting blood or neurological symptoms suggesting internal bleeding
- New or worsening breathlessness, dry cough, chest pain or rapid swelling, which may indicate fluid around the lungs or heart
- Persistent breathlessness and fatigue that may indicate pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Palpitations, fainting or severe chest pain
- A widespread blistering or peeling rash, especially with fever or mouth or eye involvement
- Facial or throat swelling, wheeze or collapse suggesting a severe allergic reaction
Dasatinib anhydrous in pregnancy
Dasatinib may harm an unborn baby and should not normally be used during pregnancy unless specialist treatment is clinically necessary. Effective contraception is required for sexually active people who could conceive or cause a pregnancy during treatment. Contact the specialist team promptly if pregnant, planning pregnancy or concerned that pregnancy may have occurred.
Dasatinib anhydrous while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should stop during treatment because transfer into milk is possible and harm to the child cannot be excluded. Discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
Dasatinib anhydrous interactions
Dasatinib has clinically important interactions. Check all prescribed, pharmacy-bought and herbal products with the specialist team.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole and ritonavir
May substantially increase dasatinib exposure and toxicity; concurrent use is generally avoided or specialist-managed.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
May reduce dasatinib exposure and increase the risk of treatment failure.
St John’s wort
May lower dasatinib exposure and should not be started without specialist approval.
Common questions about Dasatinib anhydrous
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of cancer is dasatinib anhydrous used to treat?
It is licensed for several forms of Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML and ALL in adults and children, depending on age, disease phase and previous treatment.
Is dasatinib anhydrous chemotherapy?
It is a targeted anti-cancer treatment called a protein kinase inhibitor. In some settings, particularly childhood Philadelphia-positive ALL, it is used alongside chemotherapy.
Can the tablets be crushed or split?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.