Futibatinib at a glance
Medicine class
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting FGFRs
Licensed role
Previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic FGFR2-altered cholangiocarcinoma in adults
Tumour testing
An appropriate test must confirm an FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement before treatment
Administration
Swallow the tablets whole; they may be taken with or without food
What is Futibatinib used for?
Futibatinib has a biomarker-defined UK licence.
Used alone in adults with locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma that has an FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement and has progressed after previous systemic treatment.
How does Futibatinib work?
Abnormal FGFR signalling can help cancer cells grow and survive. Futibatinib irreversibly blocks FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4; its licensed use depends on the tumour having an FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement.
Futibatinib preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 4 mg
How to take Futibatinib
Follow the oncology team's instructions and the supplied wallet-pack instructions.
Swallow tablets whole with water.
Take with or without food.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it with the treating team.
If fatigue or visual disturbance occurs, do not drive or operate machinery until it is safe.
Futibatinib side effects
Common or expected effects
- Raised or lowered blood phosphate
- Nail changes
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Mouth inflammation
- Fatigue or weakness
- Hair loss or dry skin
- Reduced appetite or altered taste
- Hand-foot skin reaction
- Muscle or joint pain
- Dry eyes
- Raised liver enzymes
Get urgent medical advice
- Blurred vision, flashes or new floaters, which may indicate retinal problems
- Painful skin lesions, muscle cramps, tingling around the mouth or an abnormal heartbeat associated with mineral imbalance
- Severe migraine
- Severe abdominal pain with persistent vomiting or inability to pass stool or wind, which may suggest bowel obstruction
Futibatinib in pregnancy
Futibatinib may harm an unborn baby and should generally not be used during pregnancy unless the specialist considers the potential benefit to justify the risk. Pregnancy testing is advised before treatment. People who could become pregnant, and men with partners who could become pregnant, should use effective contraception during treatment and for one week afterwards. Add a barrier method because effects on hormonal contraception are uncertain.
Futibatinib while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should stop during treatment and for one week afterwards because transfer into breast milk is unknown and harm to a baby cannot be excluded.
Futibatinib interactions
The oncology team should review all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products before and during treatment.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors, including itraconazole and clarithromycin
May increase futibatinib exposure and toxicity; combined use should usually be avoided.
Strong or moderate CYP3A inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and efavirenz
May lower futibatinib exposure and reduce its activity; combined use should usually be avoided.
Theophylline and olanzapine
Futibatinib may reduce their exposure through CYP1A2 induction, potentially reducing their effect.
Common questions about Futibatinib
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is FGFR2 testing needed before futibatinib?
Its licensed use is limited to cholangiocarcinoma with an FGFR2 fusion or rearrangement, so an appropriate tumour test must confirm this alteration.
Can futibatinib be taken with food?
Yes. The tablets may be taken with or without food.
Can futibatinib tablets be crushed or chewed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.