Balversa (Erdafitinib) for bladder cancer

Overview
Balversa is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (a type of bladder cancer) with specific fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) genetic alterations. A person must have disease progression after receiving at least one prior systemic therapy to be eligible for this treatment. Use of Balversa requires confirmation of FGFR3 genetic alterations through an FDA-approved companion diagnostic test. Balversa is also known by its drug name, erdafitinib.

Balversa is a kinase inhibitor. It works by targeting and inhibiting FGFR pathways, which are often overactive in cancers with FGFR genetic alterations. This inhibition is believed to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Balversa is taken as an oral tablet, once daily. Tablets should be swallowed whole, with or without food. It is essential to take Balversa exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Balversa include increased phosphate levels, nail disorders, stomatitis (painful swelling or sores inside the mouth), diarrhea, increased creatinine (a marker of kidney function), increased alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme linked to liver and bone health), and increased alanine aminotransferase (an enzyme that indicates liver health). Other common side effects include decreased hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells), decreased sodium levels, increased aspartate aminotransferase (another liver enzyme), fatigue, dry mouth, dry skin, and decreased phosphate levels.

Additional common effects include decreased appetite, dysgeusia (altered sense of taste), constipation, increased calcium levels, dry eye, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (discoloration, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet), increased potassium levels, alopecia (hair loss), and central serous retinopathy (an eye condition that can cause vision changes).

Rare but serious side effects may include ocular (eye-related) disorders including central serous retinopathy or retinal pigment epithelial detachment, hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate levels), and embryo-fetal toxicity (risk of harm to a developing fetus) when taken during pregnancy.

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Label: Balversa — Erdafitinib Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed