Side Effects of Dasatinib

Dasatinib is a more potent drug compared to imatinib, but its side effects are usually more pronounced. Common side effects include:

• Edema (swelling),
• Headaches,
• Fatigue,
• Cytopenias: decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia), decreased white blood cells (leukopenia), anemia (hematologic toxicity),
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (very common – 17–31%).
• Less common side effects may include:
• Heart rhythm disturbances (ECG monitoring with QT interval calculation and consideration of drug interactions is required),
• Gastrointestinal bleeding,
• Hemorrhages.

Dasatinib may also cause fluid retention, including pleural and pericardial effusions and pulmonary hypertension, and very frequently leads to edema.

This side effect is usually managed with diuretics; pleural puncture is required only in exceptional cases and is never indicated in patients with mild symptoms.

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