Erdafitinib is used to treat bladder cancer that is caused by an alteration or abnormality in a gene known as fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR).
It is used for those who have tumour that has spread to other parts of the body, or have tried other chemotherapy medicine that contains platinum which did not work or is no longer working.
Take Erdafitinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Erdafitinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Erdafitinib if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Erdafitinib may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Erdafitinib therapy and for at least 1 month after stopping the treatment. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Erdafitinib and for at least 1 month after stopping the treatment.
Inform your doctor if you have vision or eye problems.
Some genetic traits can affect this medicine’s level in the blood. Individuals who have reduced CYP2C9 activity, also known as poor metabolisers of CYP2C9 may have an increased concentration of this medicine in the blood and may be at increased risk of side effects. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Confirmatory test to verify the presence of “FGFR” gene and pregnancy test must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine blood tests (phosphate level) and eye or visual examination may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Monitor for increased adverse reactions in patients with known or suspected CYP2C9 genotype.
Erdafitinib may cause any of the following side effects: mouth sores, diarrhoea, dry mouth, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, change in sense of taste, hair loss, nail discolouration, and muscle or joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience serious eye problems such as inflamed eyes which can lead to visual changes and loss of vision.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine for fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- metformin (medicine to treat diabetes)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Erdafitinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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