Dasanix

Dasanix (Dasatinib) is a Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor (inhibits the "Philadelphia chromosome") and Src family tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is indicated in the treatment of certain types of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).

Dasanix is packaged as a pack of 30 x 100mg tablets.

Follow all instructions provided by your doctor regarding your required dosage.

Dasanix is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew Dasanix tablets. Dasatinib should not be taken with grapefruit juice.

Do not stop taking Dasanix unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Dasanix has been know to result in some serious side effects, including:

• Low Blood Cell Counts: Low blood cell counts are common with Dasatinib and can be severe, including low red blood cell counts (anemia), low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Your doctor will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts regularly during your treatment with Dasatinib. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever or any signs of an infection during treatment with Dasatinib
• Bleeding problems: Dasatinib may cause severe bleeding that can lead to death. Call your doctor right away if you expreience unusual bleeding or bruising of your skin, bright red or dark tar-like stools or decreased alertness, headache, or change in speech
• Fluid retention: Your body may hold too much fluid. Fluid retention is common with Dasatinib and can sometimes be severe. In severe cases, fluid may build up in the lining of your lungs, the sac around your heart, or your stomach cavity. Call your doctor right away if you get symptoms of fluid retention including swelling all over your body, weight gain, shortness of breath and cough (especially with low levels of physical activity or at rest), or chest pain when taking a deep breath
• Heart problems: Dasatinib may cause an abnormal heart rate, heart problems, or a heart attack that can lead to death. Your doctor will monitor the potassium and magnesium levels in your blood, and your heart function
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Dasatinib may cause high blood pressure in the vessels of your lungs. PAH may happen at any time during your treatment with Dasatinib. Your doctor should check your heart and lungs before and during your treatment with Dasatinib. Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, tiredness, or swelling all over your body (fluid retention)
• Severe skin reactions: Dasatinib may cause skin reactions that can sometimes be severe. Get medical help right away if you get a skin reaction with fever, sore mouth or throat, or blistering or peeling of your skin or in the mouth
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): TLS is caused by a fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure and an abnormal heart beat. Kidney failure may require the need for dialysis treatment. Your doctor may do blood tests to check you for TLS

Before you begin your cancer treatment with Dasanix, it is vital that you let your doctor know if you:

• have problems with your immune system
• have liver problems
• have heart problems, including a condition called congenital long QT syndrome
• have low potassium or low magnesium levels in your blood
• are lactose (milk sugar) intolerant
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Also tell your doctor of any prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, herbal remedies or nutritional supplements you are taking.