Sprycel (dasatinib) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of leukemia. The drug comes as an oral tablet that you usually take once per day.
Sprycel is prescribed to adults and certain children to treat specific types of leukemia that are Philadelphia chromosome positive.* These include acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia.
* The Philadelphia chromosome is an abnormal change in genes within cancer cells. If your leukemia is Philadelphia positive, it means your body has this change.
The active ingredient in Sprycel is dasatinib. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Sprycel belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors.
This article describes the dosages of Sprycel, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Sprycel, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Sprycel. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Sprycel’s form?
Sprycel is available as an oral tablet.
What strengths does Sprycel come in?
Sprycel comes in six strengths:
- 20 milligrams (mg)
- 50 mg
- 70 mg
- 80 mg
- 100 mg
- 140 mg
What are the usual dosages of Sprycel in adults?
Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. But be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Sprycel is prescribed to treat ALL in certain situations. The usual starting dosage of Sprycel for ALL in adults is 140 mg. You’ll take Sprycel once per day, either in the morning or in the evening.
Your doctor will monitor to determine how your body is responding to treatment and adjust your dosage if needed. The maximum dosage of Sprycel for adults with ALL is 180 mg once per day.
Dosage for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Sprycel is prescribed to treat CML in certain situations. For adults, the usual starting dosage of Sprycel depends on the phase of CML.
For the chronic (first) phase, the usual starting dosage is 100 mg. For the accelerated (second) phase and the blast (third) phase, the usual starting dosage is 140 mg. For any phase of CML, you’ll take Sprycel once per day in the morning or evening.
Your doctor will monitor to determine how your body is responding to treatment and adjust your dosage if needed. For adults with chronic phase CML, the maximum dosage of Sprycel is 140 mg once per day. For adults with accelerated phase or blast phase CML, the maximum dosage is 180 mg once per day.
What’s the dosage of Sprycel for children?
Sprycel is prescribed to treat ALL and CML in certain children. Among other factors, children must be age 1 year or older. Dosage is based on the child’s weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
The following table includes the recommended starting dosages of Sprycel for children with ALL or CML.
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Starting dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kg to less than 20 kg | 22 lb to less than 44 lb | 40 mg once per day in the morning or evening |
| 20 kg to less than 30 kg | 44 lb to less than 66 lb | 60 mg once per day in the morning or evening |
| 30 kg to less than 45 kg | 66 lb to less than 99 lb | 70 mg once per day in the morning or evening |
| 45 kg or more | 99 lb or more | 100 mg once per day in the morning or evening |
Your child’s doctor will monitor to determine how your child’s body is responding to treatment. If needed, the doctor may adjust your child’s dosage. For children with ALL, the maximum dosage of Sprycel is 100 mg once per day. For children with CML, the maximum dosage is 120 mg once per day. But for both ALL and CML, the maximum dosage for a child still depends on their weight.
For an example of dosage, assume a doctor prescribes Sprycel for a child who’s not taking other medications. The child weighs 35 kg, which is about 77 lb. The child’s dosage would be 70 mg once per day to be taken in the morning or evening.
To learn more about Sprycel’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Sprycel taken long term?
Yes, Sprycel is usually taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
The dosage of Sprycel you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking the drug to treat
- the body’s response to treatment
- any side effects you may have
- other medications you may be taking
- your age
- in children, their body weight
Sprycel is available as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. You should not split, chew, or crush the tablet. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Sprycel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have difficulty opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Sprycel in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Sprycel, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at its usual time. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Sprycel on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Sprycel than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- severely low blood cell counts, including those of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells
- severe bleeding
What to do in case you take too much Sprycel
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Sprycel. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Sprycel’s dosage.
What is the recommended maximum daily dosage of Sprycel?
The maximum daily dosage of Sprycel varies based on your age and the condition being treated. In children, it also depends on their weight.
The table below includes the maximum dosages of Sprycel for adults and children.
| Condition | Maximum daily dosage for adults | Maximum daily dosage for children |
| ALL | 180 mg once per day | 100 mg once per day |
| CML | 140–180 mg once per day | 120 mg once per day |
For details about the drug’s dosages for adults and children, see the “What is Sprycel’s dosage?” section above. For other questions about the maximum daily dosage of Sprycel, ask your doctor or your child’s doctor.
How long does it take for Sprycel to start working?
Sprycel starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel it working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working for your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Sprycel treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Sprycel for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Sprycel without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Sprycel exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do you need to change my dosage of Sprycel if I take other cancer drugs?
- Do any medications I take affect my Sprycel dosage?
- Will you prescribe a lower dosage if I have side effects from Sprycel?
To learn more about Sprycel, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.