Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Sprycel. It helps treat certain types of leukemia. It may have other uses, too.

Sprycel is often taken once a day at the same time each day. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food. You should swallow the tablets whole, and do not crush, chew or cut them. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you cannot swallow the tablet whole.

Many patients will have side effects. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. Common side effects include feeling a little tired, or having a headache, muscle pains, nausea, or diarrhea. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. You should tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes to your skin, like a rash, or if you feel short of breath. 

As with any medicine, more serious side effects could occur. It is important for you to read the patient information sheet for more information. It will tell you which symptoms to watch for and when to report them. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will order lab work and will follow your condition closely. 

Sprycel can have interactions with other medicines. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, even if they do not require a prescription. Also, you must not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. 

Sprycel is not safe for unborn babies. Women must talk to their doctors about which birth control methods to use and for how long. Women should not breastfeed during treatment. 

For best results with Sprycel, be sure to plan ahead for refills.