Specialty Pharmacy Services
Sprycel (dasatinib)
Oral Tablet · Once Daily
Sprycel (dasatinib) is a second-generation targeted therapy used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Accord Specialty Pharmacy provides Sprycel with prior authorization support, copay assistance coordination, and doorstep delivery.
Drug at a Glance
- Drug Class Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (Second-Generation TKI)
- Generic Name Dasatinib
- Brand Name Sprycel®
- Route Oral tablet, once daily
- Manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb (brand) / multiple generics
Clinically Reviewed By · Accord Clinical Team, PharmD, RPh
Sprycel (Dasatinib) at a Glance
| Feature | Sprycel (Dasatinib) |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Dasatinib |
| Brand Name | Sprycel® |
| Drug Class | Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (Second-Generation TKI) |
| FDA Approved For | Ph+ CML (all phases), Ph+ ALL |
| FDA Approved (Year) | 2006 |
| Approved Population | Adults and certain pediatric patients |
| Dosage Form | Tablet, once daily |
| Typical Dose | 100 mg (chronic phase CML) · 140 mg (advanced phase CML, Ph+ ALL) |
| Available Generic | Yes |
| Specialty Pharmacy Required | Often required by insurance |
| Prior Authorization | Frequently required |
| Copay Assistance Available | Yes, for eligible commercially insured patients |
| Home Delivery | Available through Accord Specialty Pharmacy |
FDA-Approved Uses
What Sprycel (Dasatinib) Is Used For
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
CML — CHRONIC PHASESprycel is approved as a first-line treatment for newly diagnosed adults with Ph+ CML in chronic phase, and for adults with resistance or intolerance to prior TKI therapy, including Gleevec.1,2
- Newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase (first-line)
- Chronic phase CML with resistance or intolerance to prior TKI therapy
- Standard dose: 100 mg once daily
CML — Advanced Phase
ACCELERATED / BLAST CRISISFor adults with Ph+ CML in accelerated phase, myeloid blast phase, or lymphoid blast phase who have resistance or intolerance to prior therapy. These stages require prompt, specialized management.2
- Accelerated phase CML
- Myeloid blast phase CML
- Lymphoid blast phase CML
- Standard starting dose: 140 mg once daily
Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL
Ph+ ALL — ADULTPh+ ALL is an aggressive leukemia that carries the same BCR-ABL mutation as CML but progresses more rapidly. Sprycel is approved for adults with Ph+ ALL who have resistance or intolerance to prior therapy.2
- Adult patients with Ph+ ALL
- Resistance or intolerance to prior therapy required
- Standard starting dose: 140 mg once daily
Pediatric Patients
PEDIATRIC Ph+ CML / ALLSprycel is FDA-approved for pediatric patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase and for pediatric patients with Ph+ ALL. Dosing for pediatric patients is weight-based.2
- Pediatric Ph+ CML in chronic phase
- Pediatric Ph+ ALL
Your oncologist or hematologist is the right person to determine which indication applies to your diagnosis and how Sprycel fits into your treatment plan. Learn more about chronic myeloid leukemia treatment from the National Cancer Institute ↗, or read about Oncology specialty pharmacy services →
What Is Sprycel (Dasatinib)?
Sprycel (dasatinib) is a second-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemias in adults and certain pediatric patients. It was developed in part to address cases where the first-generation TKI imatinib had stopped working or was no longer tolerated, and it remains one of the most widely used options for both newly diagnosed and treatment-resistant CML.1,2
In Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia, a chromosomal translocation produces a faulty protein called BCR-ABL, which drives abnormal white blood cell growth. Dasatinib blocks BCR-ABL and several related kinases more potently than imatinib, and it is active against most BCR-ABL mutations that cause resistance to first-generation TKIs.2 Sprycel is taken as a tablet once daily and can be taken with or without food, whereas Gleevec is generally recommended to be taken with a meal.
Because Sprycel is a specialty medication, it requires coordinated management between your prescriber, your insurance plan, and the patient support programs that help make treatment accessible. Accord handles that coordination on your behalf. Learn how Accord supports patients →
Sprycel Side Effects and What to Watch For
Like all specialty oncology medications, Sprycel and dasatinib can cause side effects. Your oncologist will review what to watch for before you begin treatment, and regular blood and liver monitoring is a standard part of therapy.
One side effect worth knowing about specifically is pleural effusion, a buildup of fluid around the lungs.2 This is more commonly associated with Sprycel than with other CML medications in the same class. Symptoms can include shortness of breath or chest discomfort and should be reported to your care team promptly. Low blood cell counts are also among the most frequently reported dasatinib side effects and are monitored through routine blood tests throughout treatment.2 If anything concerns you while taking Sprycel, call Accord's pharmacy team at 1-855-222-6730.
Frequently Reported2
- Low blood cell counts (reduced white cells, red cells, and platelets)
- Fluid retention and edema (swelling, commonly in the face or lower limbs)
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than usual
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Musculoskeletal pain
Watch and Report Promptly2
- Pleural effusion: shortness of breath or chest discomfort may indicate fluid around the lungs — more common with Sprycel than other TKIs
- Infection signs: fever, chills, or unusual sweating while blood counts are low
- Unusual bruising or bleeding: may indicate low platelet counts
- Complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests are monitored regularly during treatment
Cardiovascular Considerations2
- Cardiovascular events including cardiac dysfunction: discuss your cardiac history with your oncologist before starting treatment
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs — reported with dasatinib use
- QT prolongation: dasatinib may affect the electrical activity of the heart; certain medications can increase this risk
Prior Authorization for Sprycel (Dasatinib)
Most insurance plans require prior authorization before covering Sprycel. Prior authorization is a process where your prescriber submits clinical documentation to your insurance plan confirming that Sprycel is medically necessary — typically including documentation of your diagnosis, cytogenetic or molecular testing confirming Philadelphia chromosome-positive status, and the phase of disease.
When Accord receives your referral, we contact your prescriber's office to gather what the insurance plan requires, submit the prior authorization request, and follow up until a decision is reached. If your plan issues a denial, we work alongside your prescriber to build a formal appeal with the additional documentation needed to support your case. Information for prescribers →
Prior Authorization Process
Documentation
We request clinical records and Ph+ confirmation from your prescriber
PA Submission
Prior authorization submitted to your insurance plan with full clinical documentation
Plan Decision
Approval issued, or denial received — timelines vary by payer
Appeal if Denied
We build a formal appeal with your prescriber to support your case
Note on appeals: A denial is not necessarily final. Many initially denied requests for Sprycel are approved on formal appeal. Our team manages this process alongside your prescriber at no additional burden to your care team.
Sprycel Cost & Financial Assistance
Sprycel and dasatinib cost at list price is substantial, but manufacturer assistance programs and generic options can significantly reduce what you pay. Our team reviews your coverage and identifies every program you qualify for before your first fill.
Commercially Insured — Brand
BMS Access Support Co-Pay Program
$0 as low as, per 30-day supply
Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per fill, up to $15,000 per calendar year. Contact BMS Access Support at bmsaccesssupport.com or 1-800-861-0048, Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm ET.3
Generic Option
Generic Dasatinib
Lower cost for eligible patients
Generic dasatinib is FDA-approved and available through specialty pharmacies. It contains the same active ingredient as brand Sprycel. Manufacturer copay programs apply to brand Sprycel only. Our team can help evaluate which option fits your coverage.4
Uninsured
BMS Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)
$0 for eligible uninsured patients
Free Sprycel may be available for eligible uninsured patients through BMSPAF. Applications are completed and submitted by the healthcare provider. Our team assists with the enrollment process.3
Medicare
2026 Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap
$2,100 annual out-of-pocket maximum under the IRA
The Inflation Reduction Act caps Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs at $2,100 per year in 2026, up from $2,000 in 2025. Manufacturer copay programs are not available for Medicare patients. Independent foundations may provide additional support.3
Have questions about your specific coverage? Call 1-855-222-6730 or contact us online to discuss your options. Our team identifies what you qualify for and assists with enrollment.
Getting Started
What to Expect with Accord
Referral Sent
Your prescriber sends a referral to Accord by fax or online referral form.
Insurance Verified
We confirm your coverage, benefits, and any cost-sharing requirements.
Prior Authorization
We submit clinical documentation and manage the PA process on your behalf.
Financial Assistance
We identify programs that may fit your situation and help connect you to the right resources.
Doorstep Delivery
Your medication ships directly to your door in states where Accord is licensed.
Have Questions About Sprycel?
Common Questions About Sprycel (Dasatinib)
Does Accord Specialty Pharmacy carry Sprycel (dasatinib)?
Yes. Accord is a licensed specialty pharmacy that dispenses both brand Sprycel and generic dasatinib. We manage prior authorization, financial assistance coordination, and doorstep delivery in states where Accord holds an active pharmacy license.
How do I transfer my Sprycel prescription to Accord?
Your prescriber can send a referral directly to Accord using our referral form, or by faxing to 386-456-3000. You can also call us at 1-855-222-6730 and our team will walk you through the process.
Is there a generic version of Sprycel?
Yes. Generic dasatinib is FDA-approved and available through specialty pharmacies from multiple manufacturers. It contains the same active ingredient as brand Sprycel and meets FDA standards for bioequivalence.4 For some patients, switching to generic dasatinib may reduce out-of-pocket costs. Call us at 1-855-222-6730 to discuss your options.
How long does prior authorization take for Sprycel?
Timelines vary by insurance plan and depend on the completeness of the clinical documentation submitted by your prescriber. Our team begins working on your prior authorization as soon as we receive your referral and follows up proactively. We keep both you and your prescriber updated throughout.
What if my insurance denies Sprycel?
A denial is not necessarily final. Our team works with your prescriber to submit a formal appeal with the additional clinical documentation needed to support your case. Many initially denied requests for Sprycel are approved on formal appeal.
Is Sprycel a chemotherapy drug?
Sprycel is not traditional chemotherapy. It is classified as a targeted therapy, specifically a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Traditional chemotherapy works by killing rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, regardless of whether they are cancerous. Sprycel works differently — it targets BCR-ABL, the specific abnormal protein that drives leukemia cell growth in patients with the Philadelphia chromosome. This targeted approach means Sprycel has a different side effect profile than traditional chemotherapy, though it is still a prescription oncology medication that requires careful monitoring.2
What is the difference between Sprycel and Gleevec?
Both Sprycel (dasatinib) and Gleevec (imatinib) are BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML. Gleevec was the first drug in this class and established the modern standard of care. Sprycel is a second-generation TKI, more potent against BCR-ABL and active against most imatinib-resistant mutations, making it a common next step for patients whose CML stops responding to Gleevec.2 The two drugs have distinct side effect profiles — notably, pleural effusion is more commonly associated with Sprycel than with Gleevec. Your oncologist is best positioned to determine which is appropriate for your situation. Accord dispenses both medications.
Can I take Sprycel with heartburn or acid reflux medications?
This needs care. Acid-reducing medications can significantly lower how much dasatinib your body absorbs, which could make Sprycel less effective. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, such as omeprazole) and H2 blockers (such as famotidine) are generally not recommended during Sprycel treatment. If an antacid is needed, it should be taken several hours apart from your Sprycel dose, not at the same time.2 Tell your prescriber and our pharmacy team about any heartburn or reflux medication, including over-the-counter products, before starting Sprycel — there are often other ways to manage reflux that do not interfere with your treatment.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Sprycel?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure what to do, call our pharmacists at 1-855-222-6730 or check with your prescriber.
For Patients
Ready to Get Started?
Our team coordinates everything — insurance verification, prior authorization, financial assistance, and delivery. Call us or ask your prescriber to send a referral, and we take it from there.
Call 1-855-222-6730For Oncologists & Prescribers
Refer a Patient to Accord
Download the Sprycel referral form, complete all sections, and fax to 386-456-3000. We confirm receipt within one business day and manage prior authorization on your behalf.
Download Referral FormReferences (4)
- National Cancer Institute. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Treatment (PDQ) — Patient Version. National Institutes of Health. cancer.gov
- Sprycel (dasatinib) Prescribing Information. Bristol Myers Squibb. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. accessdata.fda.gov
- BMS Access Support. Co-Pay and Financial Assistance for Sprycel. Bristol Myers Squibb. bmsaccesssupport.bmscustomerconnect.com
- Drugs.com. Generic Sprycel (dasatinib) Availability. drugs.com