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).
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.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
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 ever had:
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines);
stomach or intestinal bleeding;
liver disease;
heart disease;
low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
lung disease; or
lactose intolerance.
Sprycel may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine, and for at least 30 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Sprycel may harm the baby if a pregnancy does occur.
It is not known whether dasatinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while taking Sprycel and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
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. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take the medicine with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
Do not crush, chew, or break a Sprycel tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. If your child cannot swallow the tablet whole, talk with your healthcare provider.
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. Wear rubber gloves while handling a broken tablet or capsule. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely dispose of the broken pill. A pregnant woman should not handle a broken pill.
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.
Do not change your dose or stop using Sprycel without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
