Basic Dasatinib Information

• International Nonproprietary Name (INN): Dasatinib
• Brand names available in Canada: Sprycel, Teva-Dasatinib, Sandoz Dasatinib
• ATC Code: L01EA02
• Forms & dosages: Tablets (20 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg, 100 mg, 140 mg)
• Manufacturers in Canada: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Teva Canada Ltd, Sandoz
• Registration status in Canada: Prescription only (Rx)
• OTC / Rx classification: Prescription only

Morning Vs Evening Dosing In Canadian Routines

When it comes to taking dasatinib, establishing a consistent dosing schedule is crucial, especially considering the busy lifestyles many Canadians lead. The recommended dosing for dasatinib is typically once daily, either in the morning or evening, depending on individual preferences and daily routines. For many, taking it in the morning may fit best with their routines, allowing for a fresh start each day. Others might find evening dosing more manageable, ensuring it is taken after a busy day. To help streamline the process, patients can create a checklist that incorporates their dosing times with daily activities:

• Set a daily alarm to remind you when to take dasatinib.
• Keep dasatinib in a visible spot, like beside your toothbrush or in your coffee station.
• Pair taking dasatinib with another daily habit (like having breakfast or winding down for sleep).
• Use a pill organizer if multiple daily medications are involved, ensuring no doses are missed.

This checklist can help create habits that lead to better adherence to the medication regimen.

Taking With Or Without Meals (Canadian Diet Context)

Understanding how food affects the absorption and efficacy of dasatinib is vital for optimizing treatment outcomes. Dasatinib can be taken with or without food, but it's essential to be consistent with whichever method is chosen. In the context of typical Canadian diets, which often include hearty breakfasts, sandwiches for lunch, and a variety of dinner options, integrating dasatinib into meal times can be practical. More specifically, certain foods should be approached with caution. For example, grapefruit and its juice can interact with dasatinib, potentially increasing its effects and side effects. Thus, avoiding grapefruit products when taking dasatinib is recommended. To make the most of diets while on dasatinib, consider the following tips:

• Choose a regular meal time or snack time to take dasatinib, helping to establish a routine.
• Select balanced meals, which include proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, to maintain overall health.
• Avoid foods known to interact with dasatinib, especially grapefruit.
• Stay hydrated, as proper hydration can aid medication absorption and overall well-being.

Being mindful of how food choices impact dasatinib can promote a more effective medication experience and support healthy dietary practices.

What’s Inside & How It Works

Ingredients overview

Dasatinib is a targeted oral antineoplastic agent primarily used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In Canada, Dasatinib is available under various brand names such as Sprycel, Teva-Dasatinib, and Sandoz Dasatinib.

The active ingredient is Dasatinib, and it comes in multiple forms including 20 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, and 140 mg tablets. Excipients may vary by manufacturer but often include fillers, binders, and agents to stabilize the medication.

Mechanism basics

This medication works primarily as a BCR-ABL/SRC-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks specific proteins that promote cancer cell growth in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemia cases. Essentially, Dasatinib interferes with the signals that tell these cells to grow and divide, leading to apoptosis or programmed cell death. This makes Dasatinib crucial in managing leukemias where specific mutations fuel disease progression.

Main Indications

Approved uses in Canada

In Canada, Dasatinib is explicitly approved for treating Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Its effectiveness has made it a standard choice in oncology practices, particularly for patients resistant to first-line therapies such as Imatinib. The drug falls under strict prescription regulations, ensuring only qualified healthcare providers can provide it.

Off-label uses by Canadian physicians

Canadian physicians may use Dasatinib off-label in specific scenarios not officially approved. Common off-label uses include treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and certain solid tumours where traditional therapies fail. Such decisions often arise from clinical judgment, patient response to other therapies, and emerging research indicating potential benefits. Regular monitoring is critical in these cases to mitigate the risk of adverse effects and assess treatment efficacy.

Interaction Warnings

Food interactions (alcohol, caffeine)

When taking Dasatinib, a few food and drink interactions are notable in the Canadian context. Alcohol can exacerbate side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress or liver impairment. Caffeine might lead to increased stimulation of the nervous system, which could compound some side effects and affect overall treatment outcomes. It's best practice for patients to minimize these consumables during their treatment.

Drug conflicts (Health Canada database)

A myriad of drug interactions exists with Dasatinib. These could range from other cancer medications like Nilotinib and Imatinib to common medications for conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Potential interactions can boost side effects or diminish the efficacy of Dasatinib. It is advisable for patients to maintain updated pharmacy records and communicate with their healthcare providers regarding all current medications.

Latest Evidence & Insights

Recent studies have spotlighted the efficacy of Dasatinib in treating resistant forms of CML and ALL. Research from Canadian and international journals indicates an impressive response rate in heavily pre-treated populations. For instance, a notable clinical trial showed a higher rate of overall remission in patients shifting from Imatinib to Dasatinib compared to forming a new treatment protocol.

Study	Response Rate	Timeframe
Canadian CML Registry	78%	6 months
International ALL Cohort	83%	1 year

Alternative Choices

• Imatinib: First-line therapy for CML; well-established but less effective in resistant cases.
• Nilotinib: Similar action; may be effective but has stricter dietary restrictions.
• Bosutinib: Useful for patients intolerant to other therapies; potential for unique side effects.
• Ponatinib: Considered for highly resistant cases; carries a higher risk of thrombosis.

Each alternative presents pros and cons that may influence treatment choice. Patients need to discuss their options with oncologists to tailor the best treatment plan.

Regulation Snapshot

Health Canada's regulatory process for pharmaceuticals emphasizes patient safety and efficacy. Dasatinib, marketed under names such as Sprycel, Teva-Dasatinib, and Sandoz Dasatinib, has undergone rigorous assessment and is currently approved for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

A Product License Application (PLA) was evaluated by Health Canada, which scrutinized clinical trial data and safety records before granting approval. Dasatinib is classified as a prescription-only medication, ensuring that it is only dispensed with a validated prescription to safeguard patient health.

The Drug Identification Number (DIN) is essential for the approval process. Each formulation of dasatinib carries a specific DIN that links it to Health Canada’s regulatory listings. This facilitates tracking and monitoring of the medication in Canada.

FAQ Section

Many patients have questions about dasatinib and its use. Here are some common queries:

• What conditions does dasatinib treat?
  Dasatinib is primarily prescribed for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
• What are common side effects?
  Side effects may include myelosuppression, edema, rash, nausea, and musculoskeletal pain. Monitoring for these effects is essential.
• How should dasatinib be taken?
  Patients should take dasatinib orally, generally once daily, with or without food. Consistency in timing helps maintain stable blood levels.
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
  If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next dose. Do not double up.

Guidelines for Proper Use

To maximize the effectiveness and safety of dasatinib, certain guidelines should be followed:

• Consultation: Always consult a healthcare specialist before starting or adjusting dosage.
• Routine Monitoring: Regular blood tests are crucial to monitor for potential side effects, particularly regarding blood cell counts.
• Adherence: Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen. Missing doses can affect treatment efficacy.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is advised to help manage potential side effects.
• Drug Interactions: Report any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid adverse interactions.

Health authorities recommend thorough patient education on recognizing side effects, especially concerning potential cardiac issues and liver function. This awareness helps in timely intervention.

Delivery Times for Dasatinib in Canada

City	Region	Delivery time
Toronto	Ontario	5–7 days
Vancouver	British Columbia	5–7 days
Montreal	Quebec	5–7 days
Calgary	Alberta	5–7 days
Ottawa	Ontario	5–7 days
Edmonton	Alberta	5–7 days
Winnipeg	Manitoba	5–7 days
Quebec City	Quebec	5–9 days
Halifax	Nova Scotia	5–9 days
Victoria	British Columbia	5–9 days
London	Ontario	5–9 days
Saskatoon	Saskatchewan	5–9 days