Erdafitinib (Balversa) Side Effects: What Patients Need to Know

Side Effects of Erdafitinib and How to Manage Them

Erdafitinib may cause some serious side effects. First are eye problems, including dry or inflamed eyes, inflammation of the cornea (the front part of the eye), and retinal disorders. If you experience blurred vision, vision loss, or any other visual changes, tell your doctor immediately. Second, hyperphosphatemia (abnormally high blood phosphate levels) is also common and can be serious. If you develop painful skin lesions, any muscle cramps, or numbness or tingling around your lips, you should also contact your doctor right away. These symptoms may require urgent management, including dietary adjustments, use of phosphate‑lowering medications, or changes to your treatment regimen. During treatment, your doctor will require you to have regular eye exams and blood tests to detect and manage these serious side effects as early as possible.

List of the Most Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of erdafitinib include: separation of the nail from the nail bed or poor nail formation, mouth sores, diarrhea, increased blood creatinine levels, increased blood alkaline phosphatase levels, changes in liver function, decreased red blood cells (anemia), decreased blood sodium levels, fatigue, dry mouth, dry skin, decreased blood phosphate levels, loss of appetite, taste changes, constipation, increased blood calcium levels, dry eyes, redness/swelling/peeling/tenderness mainly on the hands or feet (hand‑foot syndrome), increased blood potassium levels, hair loss, and fluid accumulation behind the retina in the eye. Additionally, if you experience any nail or skin problems, such as separation of the nail from the nail bed, nail pain, nail bleeding, nail breakage, changes in nail color or texture, skin infection around the nails, itchy skin rash, dry skin, or cracked skin, tell your healthcare provider immediately.

Effects on Fertility and How to Report Side Effects

Erdafitinib may affect fertility in women of childbearing potential. If you have concerns about this, please consult your healthcare provider. The above list does not include all possible side effects. For more information, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist. For medical advice about side effects, call your healthcare provider. You may also report side effects directly to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prompt reporting of side effects helps improve medication safety information and allows you to receive better medical support.