Sprycel

Generic Name: dasatinib (da SAT in ib)
Brand Name: Sprycel

What is Sprycel?

Sprycel (dasatinib) is a cancer medication that slows the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Sprycel is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when other cancer treatments have not been effective.

Sprycel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Sprycel

Sprycel is a cancer medication that slows the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Sprycel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).

Slideshow: Grapefruit and Medicines: A Possible Deadly Mix?

Some people using Sprycel have developed a rare but serious condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH may be irreversible if not promptly treated, and this condition can be fatal. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk of developing PAH.

Before taking Sprycel

Some people using Sprycel have developed a rare but serious condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH occurs when blood pressure increases inside the arteries in your lungs. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood through the lungs, which also weakens muscles in the heart. PAH may be irreversible if not promptly treated, and this condition can be fatal. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk of developing PAH.

To make sure Sprycel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;

• anemia (lack of red blood cells);

• liver disease;

• lung disease;

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder; or

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Sprycel if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

See also: Sprycel pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

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

This medication may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

It is not known whether dasatinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking Sprycel.

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

How should I take Sprycel?

Take Sprycel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take the medication with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break a Sprycel tablet. Swallow it whole.

Do not use a pill that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet or capsule.

Sprycel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Sprycel dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Sprycel?

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Sprycel. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Sprycel.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid coming into contact with your body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). Chemotherapy can pass into body fluids. Patients or caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Body fluids should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use condoms during sexual activity to avoid exposure to body fluids.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Sprycel and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Sprycel side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Sprycel: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Sprycel and call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as:

• feeling tired or short of breath (even with mild exertion);

• swelling in your feet or lower legs;

• rapid weight gain;

• blue-colored lips and skin; and

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Stop using Sprycel and call your doctor at once if you have any of these other side effects:

• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum);

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down); or

• pain in your chest, on your left side, or behind your breastbone.

Common Sprycel side effects may include:

• headache;

• joint or muscle pain;

• nausea, diarrhea; or

• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Sprycel side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Sprycel?

Many drugs can interact with Sprycel. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Sprycel, especially:

• bosentan;

• conivaptan;

• imatinib;

• nefazodone;

• St. John's wort;

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, nafcillin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin;

• antifungal medication--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole;

• heart medication--nicardipine, quinidine;

• hepatitis C medications--boceprevir, telaprevir;

• HIV/AIDS medication--atazanavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir;

• seizure medication--carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone; or

• stomach acid reducers--cimetidine, esomeprazole, famotidine, lansoprazole, omeprazole, ranitidine, Prevacid, Prilosec, Pepcid, Zantac, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with Sprycel. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Sprycel.