Generic Dasatinib

Introduction

Dasatinib is a targeted oral anticancer medication approved for use in the United Kingdom. It belongs to the class of tyrosine‑kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and is primarily prescribed for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and Philadelphia‑positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL). The drug is manufactured by Bristol‑Myers Squibb and marketed under the brand name Sprycel in many territories. In addition to its labelled indications, dasatinib is investigated in several off‑label settings, including certain myeloproliferative disorders and solid‑tumour trials.

What is Dasatinib?

Dasatinib is the generic version of Sprycel, containing the same active compound, dasatinib. It is a small‑molecule inhibitor that interferes with the activity of multiple tyrosine kinases involved in malignant cell growth. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option for patients who require a TKI but wish to avoid the higher price of the brand‑name product.

Key facts

• Active ingredient: Dasatinib (molecular weight 488. g/mol)
• Drug class: Second‑generation tyrosine‑kinase inhibitor
• Manufacturer (original brand): Bristol‑Myers Squibb
• Formulation: Film‑coated tablets, typically 20 mg and 100 mg strengths
• Regulatory status in the UK: Licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for CML and Ph+ ALL

How Dasatinib Works

Dasatinib blocks the enzymatic activity of several tyrosine kinases, most notably BCR‑ABL1—the abnormal fusion protein that drives CML and Ph+ ALL. By occupying the ATP‑binding pocket of BCR‑ABL1, dasatinib prevents phosphorylation of downstream signalling proteins, halting uncontrolled cell division and inducing apoptosis of malignant clones.

In addition to BCR‑ABL1, dasatinib inhibits SRC family kinases, c‑KIT, EPHA2, and PDGFRβ. This broader spectrum contributes to its efficacy against disease phases that are resistant to first‑generation TKIs such as imatinib.

Pharmacokinetic overview

• Absorption: Rapid, with peak plasma concentrations reached in .5–3 hours after oral intake.
• Distribution: Highly protein‑bound (>96 %).
• Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4, with minor contributions from other cytochrome enzymes.
• Elimination: Median half‑life of 3–5 hours; excreted in feces (≈85 %) and urine (≈4 %).

These properties explain the typical once‑daily dosing schedule and the importance of avoiding strong CYP3A4 modulators.

Conditions Treated with Dasatinib

• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML – chronic phase: First‑line or second‑line therapy for adults who are either newly diagnosed or who have shown resistance/intolerance to imatinib.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia – accelerated or blast phase: Used when disease progression occurs despite prior TKI therapy.
• Philadelphia‑positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (Ph+ ALL): Combined with chemotherapy in adult patients, either as frontline treatment or for relapse.

Epidemiological context (UK)

• Approx. 1,500 new CML cases are diagnosed each year in England and Wales, representing the most common adult leukaemia.
• Ph+ ALL accounts for roughly 25 % of adult ALL cases, translating to 400–500 new patients annually.

Dasatinib’s potency against multiple kinases makes it effective in cases where disease burden is high or when resistance mutations (e.g., BCR‑ABL1 T315I) emerge, although T315I remains largely insensitive and may require alternative agents.

Who is Dasatinib For?

• Adults with confirmed CML in chronic phase who are either treatment‑naïve or have failed/impaired tolerability with a first‑generation TKI.
• Patients with CML in accelerated or blast phase who require a more potent inhibitor to achieve rapid cytogenetic response.
• Adults diagnosed with Ph+ ALL where integration of a TKI with multi‑agent chemotherapy improves remission rates.

Contra‑indications and cautions

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to dasatinib or any tablet excipients (e.g., lactose) should avoid the drug.
• Individuals with severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C) lack sufficient safety data; dose adjustment or alternative therapy is advised.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use dasatinib because of documented teratogenic risk in animal studies and the absence of human safety data.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Myelosuppression: Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia – monitor complete blood counts weekly during the first two months.
• Fluid retention: Pleural effusion, peripheral edema – especially in patients over 65 years or with prior cardiac disease.
• Gastrointestinal upset: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain – often manageable with dietary adjustments.
• Fatigue and headache – generally mild and transient.

Rare

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Reported in long‑term users; echocardiographic monitoring recommended if dyspnoea develops.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis – immediate drug discontinuation required.
• Renal impairment: Elevated serum creatinine function at baseline and periodically.

Serious

• Severe bleeding: Gastrointestinal or intracranial haemorrhage, especially when combined with anticoagulants.
• Cardiac events: QT‑interval prolongation, arrhythmias; baseline ECG advisable for patients with known cardiac disease.
• Infections: Opportunistic infections (e.g., fungal, viral) due to profound neutropenia.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) increase dasatinib exposure – dose reduction or avoidance recommended.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) reduce plasma levels – may lead to loss of efficacy.
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, and proton‑pump inhibitors – can decrease absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours.
• Concurrent use with other TKIs or BCR‑ABL1 inhibitors – not recommended due to additive toxicity.

Patients should provide a full medication list to their healthcare team before initiating therapy.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing for CML (chronic phase): 100 mg once daily, taken with a low‑fat meal or on an empty stomach (consistent timing improves absorption).
• Accelerated/blast phase CML or Ph+ ALL: 140 mg once daily, often in combination with chemotherapy protocols.
• Dose adjustments: Reduce to 80 mg daily if grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia or neutropenia occurs; hold the dose until recovery, then resume at the lower level.

Missed dose:

• If a dose is missed by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered.
• If more than 12 hours have elapsed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose:

• Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or prolonged QT interval.
• Promptly seek emergency medical attention; supportive care (e.g., activated charcoal if within 1 hour) is the mainstay.

Practical precautions

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they inhibit CYP3A4 and may raise dasatinib levels.
• Alcohol consumption does not directly affect dasatinib metabolism but can exacerbate liver toxicity; moderation is advised.
• Patients with pre‑existing cardiac disease should undergo baseline and periodic ECG monitoring.

Buying Dasatinib from Our Online Pharmacy

Dasatinib can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing high‑quality, regulator‑approved generic medicines at prices close to the manufacturer’s cost, making effective cancer therapy more accessible.Why choose us?

• Affordable pricing: Generic dasatinib is offered at a fraction of the brand‑name cost without compromising purity or potency.
• Verified quality: All stock is sourced from licensed overseas manufacturers that meet European Medicines Agency (EMA) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging and reliable logistics ensure you receive your medication within 7 days (express courier) or approximately 3 weeks by regular airmail.
• Online‑only access: We operate as a pharmacy‑broker service, partnering with internationally accredited pharmacies to bring medicines that may be scarce or delayed in the UK market. Our process respects patient privacy and complies with UK import regulations for personal use.

Patients who encounter difficulties obtaining dasatinib through conventional channels, or who wish to explore a cost‑saving alternative, can rely on our streamlined service to receive the treatment they need quickly and safely.

FAQ

• Is dasatinib available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name product is marketed as Sprycel, while generic versions contain the same active ingredient, dasatinib, and are approved by the MHRA for identical clinical uses.

• Does dasatinib require storage in a refrigerator?
  No. Dasatinib tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature (15 °C–25 °C), protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Refrigeration is unnecessary and may affect tablet integrity.

• What do dasatinib tablets look like, and how are they identified?
  The 20 mg tablets are typically round, light pink, and debossed with “20” on one side; the 100 mg tablets are larger, white, and marked with “100”. Generic manufacturers may use slightly different imprint codes, but the strength and appearance are clearly indicated on each blister pack.

• Can dasatinib be taken with food, and does the type of meal matter?
  Dasatinib may be taken with a low‑fat meal or on an empty stomach. High‑fat meals can reduce the drug’s absorption by up to 30 %, potentially diminishing its therapeutic effect. Consistency in how you take the medication (always with or without food) is recommended.

• Are there special warnings for patients of Asian descent?
  Population‑specific pharmacogenomic data are limited, but studies suggest comparable exposure across ethnic groups when standard dosing is used. However, clinicians may monitor more closely for hematologic toxicity in any patient with underlying enzymatic variations that affect CYP3A4 activity.

• What are the main differences between dasatinib formulations in the US, EU, and Asia?
  The active ingredient is identical worldwide, but excipients such as colouring agents or fillers can vary. EU‑approved tablets meet EMA standards for bioequivalence, while US formulations must comply with FDA criteria. Minor differences rarely affect clinical outcomes but may be relevant for patients with specific allergies.

• Can dasatinib be safely imported into the UK for personal use?
  Yes, provided the medication is for personal use, the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply, and it is accompanied by a valid prescription from a UK‑registered prescriber. Our pharmacy ensures compliance with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) import guidelines.

• Does dasatinib affect routine blood testing, such as cholesterol or liver panels?
  Dasatinib primarily influences hematologic parameters (e.g., neutrophil and platelet counts). Liver function tests may rise modestly, so periodic monitoring is advised, but routine lipid profiles are not directly altered by the drug.

• How does dasatinib compare with the first‑generation TKI imatinib in terms of efficacy?
  Clinical trials demonstrate that dasatinib achieves faster and deeper molecular responses, especially in patients with high‑risk disease or those who have failed imatinib. However, the safety profile includes a higher incidence of pleural effusion, requiring individualized risk‑benefit assessment.

• Is there any evidence that dasatinib can be used in solid tumours?
  Early‑phase studies have explored dasatinib in metastatic prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancers, targeting SRC family kinases. To date, results have been modest, and dasatinib remains investigational for solid‑tumour indications pending larger trials.

• What is the recommended for disposing of unused dasatinib tablets?
  Unused tablets should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal or placed in a sealed container before discarding with household waste, in accordance with the UK Medicines Disposal Regulations. Do not flush tablets down the toilet.

Glossary

Tyrosine‑Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)

A class of drugs that block enzymes (tyrosine kinases) responsible for signalling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival.

BCR‑ABL1 Fusion Protein

An abnormal enzyme created by a chromosome translocation (Philadelphia chromosome) that drives uncontrolled proliferation in CML and Ph+ ALL.

Pleural Effusion

Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs; a known adverse effect of dasatinib that may cause shortness of breath.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about dasatinib is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to dasatinib for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.