Associated Press 11.09.07, 11:22 AM ET

NEW YORK -

Drug developer Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said Friday the Food and Drug Administration approved new labeling for its leukemia drug Sprycel, to include a lower recommended starting dose.

The new label recommends a lower starting dose of 100 milligrams once a day. It also includes additional safety and efficacy data from a greater number of patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia who are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy.

The new dose reduces the incidence of some side effects, the company said, including severe myelosuppression and fluid retention. Myelosuppression involves decreased bone marrow activity, resulting in fewer blood cells.

Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (nyse: BMY - news - people ) fell 4 cents to $28.63 in morning trading.