Basic Dasatinib Information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): 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
• OTC / Rx classification: Prescription only

Safety Overview

Dasatinib is classified as a prescription-only medication in Canada. Governed by Health Canada regulations, its use must be closely monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety. Regular check-ups are vital to assess its impact, especially due to dasatinib's potential side effects, which can vary among patients.

High-Risk Groups

Certain populations require special attention when being treated with dasatinib: - **Elderly Patients:** Increased sensitivity to medications often necessitates careful dosing and monitoring. - **Pregnant Women:** Dasatinib poses risks for fetal development, so alternative treatments may be considered during pregnancy. - **Indigenous Populations:** They may have unique health considerations and varying responses to medications, necessitating tailored treatment approaches. It's essential for healthcare providers to evaluate these groups rigorously to mitigate risks associated with dasatinib usage.

Interaction with Activities

Taking dasatinib can lead to side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Because of these potential effects, patients are advised to refrain from: - **Driving:** Until they understand how dasatinib affects their ability to operate a vehicle. - **Operating Heavy Machinery:** This activity should be avoided if there is any uncertainty regarding side effects. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers can help in determining when it is safe for patients to resume such activities.

Q&A — “Can I Drive After Taking It in Canada?”

- **Q:** Can I drive after taking dasatinib? - **A:** Patients should avoid driving until they know how dasatinib affects them due to potential drowsiness. It's wise to consult with healthcare professionals regarding readiness.

Usage Basics for Canadians

Dasatinib is a targeted therapy that falls under the category of BCR-ABL/SRC-family tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It is primarily indicated for treating Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

INN, Brand Names Available in Canada

In Canada, dasatinib is marketed under several brand names, including Sprycel, Teva-Dasatinib, and Sandoz Dasatinib, in tablet forms of varying strengths (20 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg, 100 mg, and 140 mg).

Legal Classification Under Health Canada

Dasatinib’s classification as a prescription-only medication underscores its potency and potential side effects. Healthcare professionals must prescribe it, ensuring that patients are monitored adequately throughout their treatment.

Canadian Dosing Guide

The dosing regimens for dasatinib have been defined by Health Canada, focusing on tailored approaches based on the age group and specific condition of the patient.

Standard Regimens

Common dosing guidelines include: - **For Chronic Phase CML:** The typical dose is 100 mg taken orally once daily. - **For Accelerated Phase CML or Ph+ ALL:** Patients often take 140 mg orally each day. Healthcare practitioners should adjust dosages based on individual patient factors, particularly for those with comorbidities.

Adjustments for Comorbidities

Patients who also have conditions such as diabetes or renal impairments may require dosage modifications. Those over a certain age may not need formal adjustments but should be closely monitored if they have any underlying health issues.

Q&A — “What If I Miss a Dose Under My Provincial Drug Plan?”

- **Q:** What should I do if I miss a dose of dasatinib? - **A:** Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. Under no circumstances should you double up on dosages.

Interaction Chart (Canadian Context)

Dasatinib has specific interaction concerns with food and other substances.

Food and Drinks

Certain dietary considerations are critical for users of dasatinib: - **Alcohol:** Consumption can exacerbate certain side effects and should be approached cautiously. - **Grapefruit Juice:** This can interfere with the metabolism of dasatinib, potentially leading to increased side effects.

Common Drug Conflicts

It is essential for patients to discuss all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, with their healthcare provider. This ensures the appropriate management of any significant drug interactions. Dasatinib usage necessitates careful monitoring and communication between the patient and healthcare providers to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and safety. Regular assessments allow for any necessary adaptations of the treatment plan, enhancing overall efficacy while minimizing risks.

Access & Purchase Options

When seeking medication like dasatinib in Canada, understanding access and purchase options is crucial. Major pharmacy chains offer dasatinib, ensuring patients can easily obtain their prescriptions. Among these, Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall stand out, often providing a wide range of drugs, including generics like Teva-Dasatinib and Sandoz Dasatinib. It's beneficial for patients to check local availability and confirm stock before visiting.

Online Pharmacies in Canada

The convenience of online shopping extends to medication, but caution is vital. In Canada, online pharmacies can operate legally, provided they adhere to specific regulations. Patients need to be aware that each province may enforce different restrictions regarding the online purchase of pharmaceuticals, including dasatinib.

It's essential to buy dasatinib online only from licensed pharmacies that require a prescription to ensure safety and authenticity. This helps avoid counterfeit products and ensures adherence to health standards. Be vigilant about the site’s credentials and patient reviews before proceeding with any purchase.

Mechanism & Pharmacology

Dasatinib acts as a BCR-ABL/SRC-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor, targeting cancer cells with precision. By inhibiting these kinases, dasatinib interferes with the signals that promote the growth and division of cancer cells, particularly in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This targeted action helps reduce the proliferation of malignant cells while sparing normal tissue, contributing to its efficacy.

Clinical Terms

Understanding some key clinical terms can make treatment discussions clearer:

• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor: A drug that blocks specific enzymes involved in cell growth.
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): A fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Patients can find more detailed explanations in Health Canada-approved monographs, ensuring their grasp of these essentials.

Indications & Off-Label Uses in Canada

Dasatinib is primarily indicated for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) CML and ALL, as endorsed by Health Canada. It plays a crucial role in managing these types of leukaemia, showcasing its effectiveness and importance in oncology.

Common Off-Label Practices

Healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe dasatinib for off-label uses, reflecting its versatility. Canadian physicians occasionally explore these applications but closely assess the safety and efficacy of such practices. Regular monitoring and clinical judgment are vital in these scenarios to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.

Key Clinical Findings

Recent studies from 2022 to 2025 have thoroughly examined dasatinib's efficacy and safety profiles. These clinical trials, conducted both in Canada and internationally, reveal promising results regarding its effectiveness in treating certain cancers.

Ongoing Health Canada Safety Monitoring

Health Canada actively monitors dasatinib's safety through post-market surveillance. This includes tracking reported side effects and overall patient experiences to ensure continued adherence to safety standards. Patients are encouraged to report any adverse effects, contributing to the collective understanding of the drug's impact over time.

Alternatives Matrix

As with any medication, alternatives exist. Patients should be aware of comparable medicines like imatinib and nilotinib, both of which offer similar therapeutic benefits for CML and ALL patients.

Pros and Cons Checklist

For a comprehensive understanding, here's a quick pros and cons list regarding dasatinib versus its competitors:

• Pros: Strong efficacy in Ph+ cancer, oral administration, well-studied.
• Cons: Possible side effects include myelosuppression, fluid retention, and potential long-term risks.

While dasatinib has established itself firmly in therapy contexts, exploring alternatives is vital for personalized care, and discussions with healthcare providers can guide these decisions.

Patient FAQs

Many Canadian patients have questions about dasatinib, especially regarding its safety and side effects. Understanding how to use dasatinib effectively is crucial for those affected by chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Some of the most common questions include:

• What are the common side effects? Patients often experience myelosuppression, which can lead to neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.
• How should dasatinib be taken? It is generally taken orally, once daily, with or without food.
• Is there a risk of interactions with other medications? Yes, dasatinib can interact with drugs affecting liver enzymes, particularly CYP3A4.
• 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 scheduled dose; do not double up.
• Are there any specific storage requirements? Dasatinib should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Infographics

Visual content plays a pivotal role in patient education regarding dasatinib. A series of informative infographics should be created, covering essential topics like:

• Provincial drug plan coverage: This infographic will highlight how dasatinib is covered under different provincial healthcare plans, helping patients understand their financial responsibilities.
• Flowchart of the Canadian pharmacy purchase process: This visual guide can simplify the steps involved in obtaining dasatinib, from prescription to pick-up.

Such visual content can make information accessible and engaging, bridging the knowledge gap for patients and caregivers alike.

Health Canada Approval

Dasatinib received Health Canada approval after rigorous evaluation. The approval process involved submitting extensive clinical data demonstrating its efficacy and safety for treating Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) CML and ALL. This included comprehensive trial results, pharmacological data, and manufacturing details, ensuring that dasatinib met strict quality standards.

DIN Number and Labelling Requirements

In Canada, dasatinib is assigned a Drug Identification Number (DIN), which is crucial for its distribution and marketing. The DIN ensures that dasatinib can be easily identified among other pharmaceuticals. Labelling requirements are stringent, with specific attention to dosage, storage instructions, and safety warnings to inform healthcare providers and patients alike.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage of dasatinib is essential to maintaining its efficacy. The medication should be kept in a cool, dry place, ideally at room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F). It must be protected from light and moisture, ensuring the integrity of the tablets.

Cold-chain Requirements

While dasatinib generally does not require cold-chain storage, any generics or derivatives may have specific needs. If there are variations, ensure that these products are stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, as improper handling can affect performance.

Pharmacist Guidance

Canadian pharmacists provide vital advice on the effective use of dasatinib. They emphasize the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages, proper timing for administration, and recognizing the signs of adverse effects. Understanding whether to take dasatinib with food can also be crucial for its absorption.

Provincial Health Authority Recommendations

Provincial health authorities offer guidance on the best practices for dasatinib use. Recommendations include regular monitoring for side effects, educating patients about potential drug interactions, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers for any concerns. This collective effort ensures optimal treatment outcomes for patients battling leukemia.

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
Quebec City	Quebec	5–9 days
Winnipeg	Manitoba	5–9 days
Halifax	Nova Scotia	5–9 days
Kitchener	Ontario	5–9 days
London	Ontario	5–9 days
St. John's	Newfoundland	5–9 days