What is Balversa?
Adults can use Balversa to treat cancer of the bladder that has spread to other areas (metastatic) or is not able to be removed by surgery.Balversa can only be used if the cancer you have has a genetic marker (a "FGFR" abnormal gene) and if at least one platinum cancer drug has failed or stopped working. This gene will be tested by your doctor.Balversa is often prescribed after other treatments fail.Balversa has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on an "accelerated basis". Some people have responded to the medicine in clinical studies. However, further research is needed.
Warnings
Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions and allergies. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
You may find it harder to become pregnant if you use Balversa. Use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as the medication can harm an unborn child.Balversa may require a negative pregnancy check before you start.If you've ever had any problems with your vision or eyes, tell your doctor.The use of this medication by either the mother or father can cause birth defects or harm to an unborn child.Continue to use birth control at least one month after you have taken your last dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while using Balversa, call your doctor immediately.Do not breastfeed for 1 month after the last dose of this medication.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, pembrolizumab, cisplatin, nivolumab, doxorubicin, Opdivo, and Adriamycin
How to take Balversa?
Follow all instructions listed on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instruction sheets provided with it.. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Balversa can be taken with or without food, and the tablets should be swallowed whole. The initial dosage is 8mg once daily, with doses increasing to 9mg daily if certain criteria have been met.Do not take another Balversa dose if you vomit soon after taking it. Do not take another dose of the medication until you have taken your next scheduled dose.You may be asked by your doctor to use synthetic tears or another lubricating eye medicine every two hours when you are awake. Use these medications as prescribed by your doctor.You will have to test your blood often. If you experience certain side effects, it may delay or stop cancer treatment.You'll need to have frequent vision tests.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for urothelial cancer:
Increase to 9 mg once daily, based on serum levels of phosphate and tolerance at 14–21 days. Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities
Comment
selecting patients for treatment based on the presence or absence of FGFR-susceptible genetic alterations detected in tumor samples by an FDA-approved companion diagnosis.
Use: To treat adult patients with metastatic or locally advanced urothelial cancer (mUC) that has FGFR3 and FGFR2 genetic mutations or has progressed after at least one prior line of platinum-containing therapy, including within twelve months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose until you remember. The next day, take your dose as usual. Never take two doses on the same day.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Balversa
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, please seek emergency medical attention.If you have symptoms such as numbness or tingling around your mouth, muscle stiffness, body aches, itching or rash, and tiredness, You should also tell your doctor if you are experiencing nausea. You should tell your doctor about any symptoms you experience, such as numbness around the mouth, muscle stiffness and aches, rash or itching, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, nausea, or vomiting.
If you experience:
- Vision problems, vision loss;
- Eye pain or redness
- Problems with your toenails or fingernails: pain, bleeding, or separation of the nail from the skin
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be permanently stopped or delayed.
Balversa can cause a variety of side effects.
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth and mouth sores
- Hair loss;
- Dry skin; problems with fingernails and toenails
- Redness, swelling, blisters, or pain on your palms or soles
- Muscle pain;
- Feeling tired
- Abnormal liver or kidney function tests
- Low red blood cell count due to low sodium levels
- Symptoms of nausea include stomach pain and a loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea, constipation,
- Changes in your sense of taste
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Medicines that can change the phosphate level include potassium phosphate supplements, vitamin D supplements, antacids or enemas that contain phosphate, and other medicines.
There are other drugs that may interact with Erdafitinib. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
