Why is this medication prescribed?   

Dasatinib is used to treat certain types of leukemia (cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in people who can no longer benefit from other medications for leukemia including imatinib (Gleevec) or who cannot take these medications because of severe side effects. Dasatinib is in a class of medications called protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?   

Dasatinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening, with or without food. Take dasatinib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dasatinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Your doctor may adjust your dose of dasatinib depending on your response to treatment and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment.

Continue to take dasatinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dasatinib without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine     

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?     

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose     

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?     

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to dasatinib.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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