Balversa (
generic name: erdafitinib) can be prescribed to treat metastatic or locally advanced forms of bladder cancer. It is specifically recommended for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma.
Urothelial carcinoma, or transitional cell carcinoma, typically occurs in the
urinary system. It is the most common form of bladder cancer, although it may also affect the ureter duct by which urine passes from the kidney to the bladder. Some common symptoms of this condition include passing blood in urine, increased frequency of urination, painful urination, and back pain.
Erdafitinib belongs to the group of drugs called kinase inhibitors. It is believed to work by targeting certain proteins in cancer cells. This helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells and limits the progression of cancer and its spread to other healthy organs.
Caution
Pregnant women should not use Balversa as it might harm the unborn baby and pose a risk of miscarriage. For this reason, women planning to become pregnant should use appropriate birth control measures during the treatment and one month after taking the last dose of Balversa.
Dosage
The exact dosage and treatment regime are determined by the treating doctor. The usual recommended dosage of Balversa is one tablet daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a bit of water. It can be taken with or without food. The dosage of Balversa might have to be modified depending on the patient’s response to the treatment.
Storage
Balversa tablets should be stored in their original package at temperatures of 25ºC / 77ºF or lower. The tablet should be stored out of reach of children and pets. Patients must discard unused medication after its expiry date or within 12 months of first opening the package.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who use Balversa do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Balversa because they assess that the benefits that such treatment yields outweigh any likely unwanted effects.
There is the possibility that eye problems that are common during treatment with Balversa can become serious. These include dry or inflamed eyes, inflamed cornea and disorders of the retina (the back of the eye). Tell a doctor right away if blurred vision, loss of vision or other visual changes develop.
Some common side effects of Balversa tablets include
- Problems such as dryness or inflammation of the retina or other parts of the eye, resulting in symptoms such as blurring of vision, vision changes, or loss of vision
- Increase in phosphate levels in the blood hyperphosphatemia
- Mouth sores
- Unusual tiredness
- Impairment of kidney functions
- Dry mouth
- Low sodium levels reduce appetite
- Nail deformity, such as separation of the nails from the bed
- Change in the sense of taste
- Low blood cell counts.
Balversa can be prescribed for the management of locally advanced and metastatic carcinoma of the bladder. It is specifically used for treating urothelial carcinoma, which occurs as a result of abnormal changes in certain genes.
Balversa has been shown as being able to shrink a tumor of the bladder or stop the spread of cancer to make surgery less invasive and more effective when the bladder carcinoma has progressed during or following at least one line of therapy.
It is also recommended as a part of the post-operative therapy period for patients who undergo surgical intervention for the removal of the cancer mass.
Balversa can help in the management of urothelial carcinoma by targeting certain proteins in the cancer cells. This prevents the growth of cancer cells and limits the spread of abnormal cells to other organs. Balversa might significantly improve the prognosis of patients and even lower the chances of relapse.