Has your doctor prescribed Erdafitinib (often known by the brand name Balversa) to treat cancer for you or someone you know? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about this medication. "What kind of medicine is this?", "What does it actually do?", "Are there any side effects?", "What should I be careful of while taking it?" It's very common to have questions like this. Don't worry. We'll talk about all of this in a simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Erdafitinib?
Simply put, Erdafitinib is a specific drug used to treat bladder cancer and kidney cancer. It works as a targeted therapy.
Think of cancer cells as just weeds. If you stop these weeds from getting water and nutrients, they will die, right? Well, this drug called Erdafitinib targets and stops the action of a special protein that helps cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. When this protein is blocked, the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread is impaired. This is how cancer growth is controlled.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before deciding if this medication is right for you and safe, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. So, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Any eye disease or vision impairment | This medication can sometimes affect the eyes, so it's important to let your doctor know if you have any existing problems. |
| High phosphorus levels in the blood | Erdafitinib can further increase blood phosphorus levels, so special care should be taken with this. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, the doctor should be aware of their function. |
| Allergy to Erdafitinib or any other medicine or food | This is essential to avoid the risk of allergies. |
| If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant | This medication can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, so it's very important to talk about it. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | This medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of your medication, it is very important to take it exactly as prescribed.
- Oral tablet: This is a tablet that is taken orally.
- On time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. This helps keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a little water.
- With or without food: This pill can be taken with or without food. However, if you feel like you have an upset stomach, it is best to take the pill with some food.
- Do not change the dosage: If you experience side effects, your doctor may change the dosage of your medication or tell you to stop taking it for a while. Never change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
- Do not take with grapefruit: This is very important. Do not take this medicine with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. It can affect the way the medicine works.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too much medicine, do not take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.
Other drugs that may interact with Erdafitinib (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Erdafitinib, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
The most important thing is to tell your doctor not only about the medications you take on prescription, but also about the medications you buy over the counter at the pharmacy, vitamins, herbal medicines, traditional medicines, and supplements.
Be especially careful with these medications:
- Dofetilide: This medication should never be taken with Erdafitinib.
- Some antibiotics - e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- Some antifungals - e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis
- Some medications for seizures - e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- Herbal products such as St. John's wort
- Other drugs that affect blood phosphorus levels
This list is not complete. So for your safety, tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
General malaise
It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable or unwell during cancer treatment. This is because these drugs affect not only cancer cells but also healthy cells to some extent. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. But continue your course of treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
Effects on the eyes
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. However, if this problem persists or is severe, tell your doctor immediately. Your vision will be checked before and during treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any sudden changes in your vision (e.g., blurred vision, black spots).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This matter is very important.
- During pregnancy: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, it can cause serious birth defects in your unborn baby. Therefore, you will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment.
- Birth control: It is essential to use a highly effective form of birth control during the entire time you are taking the pill and for one month after stopping the pill.
- For men: If your partner is of childbearing potential, use a condom during sexual intercourse while you are taking this medicine and for one month after stopping.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding completely while taking this medicine and for one month after stopping.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Erdafitinib can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, loss of vision, things appearing stretched or distorted, seeing black or shiny spots. |
| Symptoms of high phosphorus levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, bone or joint pain, numbness around the mouth. |
| Common side effects that you should tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Dry mouth, lips, eyes | Dryness or inflammation of the mouth, lips, nose, or eyes. |
| Other features | Diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite and weight loss, mouth sores, changes in the shape or color of nails, and extreme fatigue. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Erdafitinib is a targeted therapy that controls the growth of cancer cells. Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes, and at the right time.
- Do not change the dosage of medication or stop treatment for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you notice any changes in vision or symptoms of a severe allergy, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be very careful to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for one month afterward. Avoid breastfeeding.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
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