What Is Dasatinib? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Dasatinib is an oral prescription medication used to treat specific types of leukemia. It belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)—targeted therapies that work by blocking abnormal proteins that drive cancer cell growth. First approved by the FDA in 2006 under the brand name Sprycel, dasatinib has become one of the most widely used treatments for Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

What Is Dasatinib Used For?

Dasatinib is FDA-approved for the following indications:

In adults:

• Newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase
• Ph+ CML in chronic, accelerated, or blast phase that is resistant or intolerant to other treatments including imatinib (Gleevec)
• Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is resistant or intolerant to prior therapy

In children (ages 1 and older):

• Newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase
• Newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL in combination with chemotherapy

What Is Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Leukemia?

The Philadelphia chromosome is an abnormal chromosome created when pieces of chromosomes 9 and 22 break off and swap positions. This translocation creates an abnormal gene called BCR-ABL, which produces a protein that acts like a permanently switched-on signal telling cells to grow and divide without stopping. This drives the development of CML and some cases of ALL. Dasatinib works by blocking this BCR-ABL protein.

What Are the Available Dasatinib Doses?

Dasatinib tablets come in six strengths: 20 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, and 140 mg. The typical adult doses are:

• 100 mg once daily — for newly diagnosed or previously treated chronic phase CML
• 140 mg once daily — for accelerated phase or blast phase CML, and for Ph+ ALL

Pediatric dosing is weight-based and determined by your child's oncologist. Your oncologist may adjust your dose up or down based on your response to treatment and any side effects.

How Do You Take Dasatinib?

Dasatinib is a convenient once-daily oral tablet with the following key instructions:

• Take with or without food — no fasting required
• Swallow whole — do not crush, cut, chew, or break the tablet
• Avoid grapefruit juice — it can raise dasatinib blood levels
• Do not take antacids within 2 hours before or after dasatinib
• Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
• If you miss a dose, skip it — do not double up on your next dose

Is There a Generic Version of Dasatinib?

Yes. Generic dasatinib is now available in the United States from multiple manufacturers including Apotex, Teva, Lupin, Zydus, and Dr. Reddy's. These generics are FDA-approved as therapeutically equivalent to brand Sprycel—meaning they contain the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration. With a discount coupon, generic dasatinib can be obtained for approximately $824–$891 per 30-day supply for 100 mg tablets, compared to over $20,000 at full retail price.

How Is Dasatinib Different from Imatinib (Gleevec)?

Imatinib (Gleevec) was the first TKI approved for CML and remains widely used. Dasatinib is a second-generation TKI that is more potent—it binds to BCR-ABL more tightly and also inhibits SRC family kinases that imatinib does not target. In head-to-head clinical trials, dasatinib produced faster and deeper molecular responses than imatinib in newly diagnosed CML, with similar long-term survival outcomes. Dasatinib is also effective in some imatinib-resistant cases where imatinib has stopped working.

What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Starting Dasatinib?

Tell your doctor about all medications you take (especially antifungals, antibiotics, seizure medications, and antacids), any heart or liver conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding plans, and whether you have lactose intolerance (Sprycel tablets contain lactose). For a full list of interactions, see our guide on dasatinib drug interactions. Once prescribed, medfinder can help you find a pharmacy that has it in stock.