Erdafitinib
Indications
Erdafitinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat adults with advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (cancer of the bladder or urinary tract that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery) whose tumour has certain changes in genes called FGFR3, usually after other treatment such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. A laboratory test on the tumour is needed to confirm the gene change before treatment.
How It Works
Some cancer cells have abnormal fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) that keep sending signals telling the cells to grow and divide. Erdafitinib is a kinase inhibitor that blocks these receptors, which slows or stops the growth of the cancer cells.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed by your cancer specialist. The doctor sets the starting dose and may raise or lower it based on blood phosphate levels and side effects. Tablets are taken by mouth once a day at about the same time, with or without food, swallowed whole. Do not change the dose or stop without your doctor's advice.
Interactions
Strong blockers of liver enzymes CYP2C9 or CYP3A4, such as Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole and Clarithromycin, can raise its level. Strong inducers such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin and St John's Wort can lower it and should be avoided. Medicines that raise phosphate levels, and phosphate supplements, should be avoided unless the doctor advises. It can affect levels of some other medicines such as Digoxin. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to Erdafitinib. It is not used in pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common side effects include high blood phosphate, mouth sores, dry mouth, diarrhoea, change in taste, tiredness, loss of appetite, hair loss, dry skin, nail changes or nail infections, sore and peeling skin on the hands and feet, dry eyes, and changes in some blood tests. It can cause eye problems involving the retina (central serous retinopathy).
Get urgent medical help if you have blurred vision, loss of vision or seeing flashes or dark spots, severe diarrhoea or mouth sores that stop you eating or drinking, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, severe skin or nail infection, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Erdafitinib can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose; men with female partners should use condoms during treatment and for one month after. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for one month after the last dose.
Precautions and Warnings
Regular eye examinations are needed, especially in the first months, and phosphate levels are checked in blood tests. A low-phosphate diet may be advised. Use eye lubricant drops for dry eyes. Report any vision change straight away. Treatment is supervised by a cancer specialist.
Overdose
No specific antidote exists. In case of overdose, contact the doctor or the nearest hospital immediately for monitoring and supportive care.
Therapeutic Class
Antineoplastic, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) kinase inhibitor.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, in the original pack, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Erdafitinib