Sprycel (Dasatinib) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Sprycel

Leukemia »

Leukemia facts

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.
While the exact cause(s) of leukemia is not known, risk factors have been identified.
Leukemias are grouped by how quickly the disease develops (acute or chronic) as well as by the type of blood cell that is affected (lymphocytes or myelocytes). The four main types of leukemia include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
People with leukemia are at significantly increased risk for developing infections, anemia, and bleeding. Other symptoms and signs include easy bruising, weight loss, night sweats, and unexplained fevers.
The diagnosis of leukemia is supported by findings of the medical history and examination, and examining blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope.
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Sprycel User Reviews >>

Sprycel

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Sprycel Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dasatinib (Sprycel)?

You should not use dasatinib if:

you have not first received a medication called imatinib (Gleevec); or
if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment with dasatinib.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using dasatinib, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;
low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;
heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder; or
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use dasatinib without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking dasatinib, whether you are a man or a woman. Dasatinib use by either parent may cause birth defects. If you are a man taking dasatinib, use a condom during any sexual activity.

It is not known whether dasatinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Taking dasatinib may affect your ability to have children whether you are a man or a woman. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

Dasatinib tablets contain lactose. Talk to your doctor before using this medication if you are lactose-intolerant.

How should I take dasatinib (Sprycel)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medicine is usually taken once in the morning and once in the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions. You may take the medication with or without food.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Do not crush, chew, or break a dasatinib tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Do not use a tablet that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken tablet can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If you must handle a broken tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of the tablet.

Dasatinib can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store dasatinib at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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