Erdafitinib at a glance
Medicine class
FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Usual role
Targeted treatment for selected unresectable or metastatic urothelial cancer
Before treatment
A validated test must confirm a susceptible FGFR3 alteration in the tumour
Taking the tablets
Swallow whole, with or without food
What is Erdafitinib used for?
Licensed use represented by the selected product:
As monotherapy for adults with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that has a susceptible FGFR3 genetic alteration and was previously treated with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor in that setting.
How does Erdafitinib work?
Erdafitinib blocks fibroblast growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases. In cancers driven by abnormal FGFR3 signalling, this can reduce signals promoting cancer-cell growth and survival. FGFR inhibition also raises blood phosphate, requiring monitoring.
Erdafitinib preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg
How to take Erdafitinib
Follow the cancer team's prescription and do not change or stop treatment without advice.
Swallow the film-coated tablets whole.
They may be taken with or without food.
Avoid grapefruit and Seville oranges, including their juices and supplements.
Erdafitinib side effects
Common or expected effects
- Raised blood phosphate
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal pain
- Sore or dry mouth
- Reduced appetite, altered taste or weight loss
- Dry skin, hand-foot skin reaction, itching or hair loss
- Nail separation, discolouration, infection or abnormal growth
- Dry eyes or other visual disturbance
- Tiredness or weakness
- Anaemia, low sodium, increased creatinine or altered liver tests
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening visual symptoms, which may indicate central serous retinopathy or another retinal disorder
- Severe or prolonged phosphate disturbance, including mineral deposits in skin, blood vessels or other tissues
- Severe mouth, skin or nail toxicity, particularly infection or inability to eat and drink
- Seizures, confusion, severe weakness, breathing difficulty or abnormal heart rhythm associated with major electrolyte disturbance
- Severe eye pain, corneal inflammation or significant vision loss
Erdafitinib in pregnancy
Erdafitinib can harm a developing baby and should not normally be used during pregnancy unless specialist assessment considers it necessary. Pregnancy testing is recommended before treatment for those who could become pregnant. Highly effective contraception is required during treatment and for one month afterwards. Erdafitinib may reduce the reliability of hormonal contraception, so discuss additional or alternative non-hormonal contraception.
Erdafitinib while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether erdafitinib passes into human milk, and harm to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. Breastfeeding should stop during treatment and for one month afterwards; discuss feeding options with the cancer and maternity teams.
Erdafitinib interactions
Ask the cancer pharmacist to check all prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal and complementary products.
Moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including fluconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir
May increase erdafitinib exposure and toxicity; an alternative or specialist adjustment may be required.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin and rifampicin
May reduce erdafitinib exposure and effectiveness; strong inducers are not recommended.
St John’s wort
May reduce erdafitinib exposure and effectiveness.
Common questions about Erdafitinib
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What cancer is erdafitinib used to treat?
It is licensed for selected adults with unresectable or metastatic urothelial cancer carrying a susceptible FGFR3 alteration after previous PD-1 or PD-L1 immunotherapy.
Why is an FGFR3 test needed?
A validated test must confirm that the tumour has a susceptible FGFR3 alteration.
Can erdafitinib be taken with food?
Yes. The tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole.
Which foods should be avoided?
Avoid grapefruit and Seville oranges, including juices and supplements, because they can increase erdafitinib exposure.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.