Dasatinib

Dasatinib is used to treat various types of leukaemia (cancer of the white blood cells). Dasatinib is a ‘biologic’ medicine, that is, it is a manmade version of a naturally occurring molecule. It works by stopping the process that makes cancer cells grow and divide.This page from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) explains what dasatinib is, how it is given and some of the possible side effects.

Dasatinib is given by mouth in a dose calculated for your child’s weight so it may change as your child gains or loses weight. It comes in the form of tablets in various strengths. It also comes as a powder that is made up into an oral liquid by the pharmacy. At the beginning of treatment, the best format for your child will be decided – it is not usually possible to change from tablets to the liquid (or vice versa) in the middle of treatment because it can be difficult to make sure the right amount of active ingredient is calculated.

Dasatinib can be taken with or without a meal and should be taken consistently either in the morning or in the evening. Dasatinib should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

For guidance on how to give your child medicines, please read our information sheet or watch our video podcast available on our website at www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/medicines-information 

Dasatinib must not be given to girls who may be pregnant or are likely to become pregnant in the near future. If your daughter is ten years old or older, we will ask her about her periods and any possibility that she could be pregnant. We will also carry out a pregnancy test on a fresh urine sample. If your daughter is sexually active, she must use a reliable form of contraception.

Some people receiving dasatinib have an allergic reaction to the medicine. This reaction may be mild to severe.

Signs of a mild allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness or headache. If you see any of these signs, please report them to a doctor or nurse.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction include any of the above, as well as shortness of breath. If you are in hospital and your child shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, call a doctor or nurse immediately.

There will be a temporary reduction in how well your child’s bone marrow works. This means they may become anaemic (reduced blood cells), bruise or bleed more easily than usual, and have a higher risk of infection.

Your child’s blood counts will be checked regularly to see how the bone marrow is working. Please tell your doctor if your child seems unusually tired, has bruising, bleeding, or any signs of infection, especially a high temperature.

Tell the doctor if your child has any signs of infection, such as a high temperature, sore throat, upset tummy or pain when weeing. In most cases, they are not serious but it is best to check.

Anti-sickness medicines can be given to reduce or prevent these symptoms. Please tell your doctor or nurse if your child’s sickness is very bad or lasts for more than a few days.

If your child has been prescribed anti-sickness medicine, they should have a dose 30 minutes before each dose of dasatinib.

If you notice any swelling or puffiness around your child’s limbs, especially the ankles, please tell your doctor or nurse.

This is rare but could be serious. If your child develops any redness to their skin or blisters and a high temperature, tell the doctor immediately.

Some medicines can react with dasatinib, altering how well it works. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicine, including medicines on prescription from your family doctor (GP), medicines bought from a pharmacy (chemist) or any herbal or complementary medicines.

We recommend that your child carries a biological therapy alert card at all times. This could be important if your child needs emergency treatment for any reason.

If your child is on dasatinib and has not had chickenpox but comes into contact with someone who has chicken pox or shingles (either face to face or longer than 15 minutes in the same room), you should report to your doctor immediately as your child may be at risk of developing a more severe form of the infection an may need special treatment. If your child gets chicken pox or shingles you should also report to your doctor immediately for antibiotics to be given. If you are unsure whether your child has had chicken pox prior to starting dasatinib, their immunity should be checked with a simple blood test at that time and the result entered on the parent-held monitoring card.

Your doctor will advise you if your child should avoid immunisation while taking dasatinib. Your child should NOT have any live vaccinations such as MMR, oral polio, chicken pox or BCG while taking Rituximab. Inactivated or killed vaccines such as influenza/flu, meningitis C, pneumococcal, hepatitis, Hib, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough/pertussis and the killed version of the polio immunisation are permitted if the patient is stable under treatment. If you have other children who need vaccines while your child is taking dasatinib, they should have these as normal, but they should also receive the ‘killed’ or inactivated polio vaccine. If you have any questions about vaccines and immunisations, please ask your doctor.

• Keep all medicines and tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them 
• Dasatinib tablets should be kept in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. 
• If your child vomits after taking the dose, inform your doctor or nurse. Do not give them another dose. 
• If you forget to give your child their dose, do not give them a double dose. Inform your doctor or nurse and keep to your child’s regular schedule. 
• If the doctor decides to stop treatment, return any remaining medicine to the pharmacist. Do not flush or throw it away.