Dasatinib is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of leukemia (cancers of the white blood cells). Dasatinib belongs to a group of drugs kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of proteins that signal cancer cells to grow.

Dasatinib is approved for treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (Ph+ CML). It is also approved for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). It works by targeting the Bcr-Abl protein found on leukemia cells. By binding to the Bcr-Abl protein, dasatinib prevents the growth of cancer cells.

Dasatinib is a prescription medicine used to treat adults who have:

newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase.

Ph+ CML who no longer benefit from, or did not tolerate, other treatment, including Gleevec (imatinib mesylate).

Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) who no longer benefit from, or did not tolerate, other treatment.

Dasatinib is also used to treat children who have:

Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase.

Take dasatinib exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Take dasatinib with or without food. Try to take dasatinib at the same time each day.

Swallow dasatinib tablets whole. Do not break, cut, or crush the tablets.

You should not drink grapefruit juice while taking dasatinib.

Your healthcare provider may:

change your dose of dasatinib, or

tell you to temporarily stop taking dasatinib.

Do not change your dose or stop taking dasatinib without first talking with your healthcare provider.

If you miss a dose of dasatinib, take your next scheduled dose at its regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.

If you take too much dasatinib, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.