balversa
Balversa (Erdafitinib) is a medication used to treat Transitional Cell Carcinoma.
Erdafitinib · by Janssen Biotech
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Erdafitinib
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Erdafitinib 3MG · Erdafitinib 4MG · Erdafitinib 5MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- transitional cell carcinoma
- Manufacturer
- Janssen Biotech
- FDA application
- NDA212018
What is Balversa?
From the FDA label:Erdafitinib, the active ingredient in BALVERSA, is a kinase inhibitor. The chemical name is N-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N'-(1-methylethyl)-N-[3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)quinoxalin-6-yl]ethane-1,2-diamine. Erdafitinib is a yellow powder. It is practically insoluble, or insoluble to freely soluble in organic solvents, and slightly soluble to practically insoluble, or insoluble in aqueous media over a wide range of pH values. The molecular formula is C 25 H 30 N 6 O 2 and molecular weight is 446.56. Chemical structure of erdafitinib is as follows: BALVERSA ® (erdafitinib) tablets are supplied as 3 mg, 4 mg or 5 mg film-coated tablets for oral administration and contains the following inactive ingredients: Tablet Core: Croscarmellose sodium, Magnesium stearate (from vegetable source), Mannitol, Meglumine, and Microcrystalline Cellulose. Film Coating: (Opadry amb II): Glycerol monocaprylocaprate Type I, Polyvinyl alcohol-partially hydrolyzed, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Talc, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxide yellow, Iron oxide red (for the orange and brown tablets only), Ferrosoferric oxide/iron oxide black (for the brown tablets only). Chemical Structure
How to use
Confirm the presence of FGFR3 genetic alterations in tumor specimens prior to initiation of treatment with BALVERSA. ( 2.1 ) Recommended initial dosage: 8 mg orally once daily with a dose increase to 9 mg daily if criteria are met. ( 2.2 ) Swallow whole with or without food. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Select patients for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma with BALVERSA based on the presence of susceptible FGFR3 genetic alterations in tumor specimens as detected by an FDA-approved companion diagnostic [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of FGFR3 genetic alterations in urothelial cancer is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics. 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Schedule The recommended starting dose of BALVERSA is 8 mg (two 4 mg tablets) orally once daily, with a dose increase to 9 mg (three 3 mg tablets) once daily based on tolerability, including hyperphosphatemia, at 14 to 21 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. Swallow tablets whole with or without food. If vomiting occurs any time after taking BALVERSA, the next dose should be taken the next day. Treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. If a dose of BALVERSA is missed, it can be taken as soon as possible on the same day. Resume the regular daily dose schedule for BALVERSA the…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling: Ocular Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Hyperphosphatemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . The most common (>20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were increased phosphate, nail disorders, stomatitis, diarrhea, increased creatinine, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased alanine aminotransferase, decreased hemoglobin, decreased sodium, increased aspartate aminotransferase, fatigue, dry mouth, dry skin, decreased phosphate, decreased appetite, dysgeusia, constipation, increased calcium, dry eye, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, increased potassium, alopecia, and central serous retinopathy. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Janssen Products, LP. at 1-800-526-7736 (1-800-JANSSEN and www.BALVERSA.com) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflects exposure to BALVERSA as a single agent at the recommended dose (8 to 9 mg orally daily) in 479…
Warnings
Important safety information
Ocular disorders: BALVERSA can cause central serous retinopathy/retinal pigment epithelial detachment (CSR/RPED). Perform monthly ophthalmological examinations during the first four months of treatment, every 3 months afterwards, and at any time for visual symptoms. Withhold BALVERSA when CSR/RPED occurs and permanently discontinue if it does not resolve within 4 weeks or if Grade 4 in severity. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Hyperphosphatemia: Increases in phosphate levels are a pharmacodynamic effect of BALVERSA. Monitor for hyperphosphatemia and manage with dose modifications when required. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3) 5.1 Ocular Disorders BALVERSA can cause ocular disorders, including central serous retinopathy/retinal pigment epithelial detachment (CSR/RPED) resulting in visual field defect. In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] , CSR/RPED occurred in 22% of patients treated with BALVERSA, with a median time to first onset of 46 days. In 104 patients with CSR, 40% required dose interruptions and 56% required dose reductions; 2.9% of BALVERSA-treated patients required permanent discontinuation for CSR. Of the 24 patients who restarted BALVERSA after dose interruption with or without dose reduction, 67% had recurrence and/or worsening of CSR after restarting. CSR was ongoing in 41% of the 104 patients at the time of last evaluation. Dry eye symptoms occurred in 26% of BALVERSA-treated patients. All patients should receive dry eye prophylaxis with ocular demulcents as needed. Perform monthly ophthalmological examinations during the first 4 months of treatment and every 3 months afterwards, and urgently at any time for visual symptoms. Ophthalmological examination should include assessment of visual acuity, slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography. Withhold or permanently discontinue BALVERSA based on severity and/or ophthalmology exam findings [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.2 Hyperphosphatemia and Soft Tissue Mineralization BALVERSA can cause hyperphosphatemia leading to soft tissue mineralization, cutaneous calcinosis, non-uremic calciphylaxis and vascular calcification. Increases in phosphate levels are a pharmacodynamic effect of BALVERSA [see Pharmacodynamics (12.2) ]. In the pooled safety population [see Adverse Reactions (6) ], increased phosphate occurred in 73% of BALVERSA-treated patients. The median onset time of increased phosphate was 16 days (range: 8–421) after initiating BALVERSA. Twenty-four percent of patients received phosphate binders during treatment with BALVERSA. Vascular calcification was observed in 0.2% of patients treated with BALVERSA. Monitor for hyperphosphatemia throughout treatment. Restrict dietary phosphate intake (600–800 mg daily) and avoid concomitant use of agents that may increase serum phosphate levels. If serum phosphate is above 7.0 mg/dL, consider adding an oral phosphate binder until serum phosphate level returns to <7.0 mg/dL. Withhold, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue BALVERSA based on duration and severity of hyperphosphatemia according to Table 2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. 5.3 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animal reproduction studies, BALVERSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In an embryo-fetal toxicity study, oral administration of erdafitinib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused malformations and embryo-fetal death at maternal exposures that were less than the human exposures at the maximum human recommended dose based on area under the curve (AUC). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BALVERSA and for one month after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BALVERSA and for one month after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] .
Who should not take Balversa
None. None. ( 4 )
Interactions
Moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Consider alternative agents or monitor closely for adverse reactions. ( 7.1 ) Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use with BALVERSA. ( 7.1 ) Moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Administer BALVERSA at a dose of 9 mg. ( 7.1 ) Serum phosphate level-altering agents: Avoid concomitant use with agents that can alter serum phosphate levels before the initial dose modification period. ( 2.3 , 7.1 ) P-gp substrates: Separate BALVERSA administration by at least 6 hours before or after administration of P-gp substrates with narrow therapeutic indices. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on BALVERSA Table 7 summarizes drug interactions that affect the exposure of BALVERSA or serum phosphate level and their clinical management. Table 7: Drug Interactions that Affect BALVERSA Moderate CYP2C9 or Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Impact Co-administration of BALVERSA with moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increased erdafitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Increased erdafitinib plasma concentrations may lead to increased drug-related toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. Clinical Management Consider alternative therapies that are not moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors during treatment with BALVERSA. If co-administration of a moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is unavoidable, monitor closely for adverse reactions and consider dose modifications accordingly [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. If the moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, resume the BALVERSA dose before dose modifications in the absence of drug-related toxicity. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact Co-administration of BALVERSA with strong CYP3A4 inducers decreased erdafitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Decreased erdafitinib plasma concentrations may lead to decreased activity. Clinical Management Avoid co-administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers with BALVERSA. Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact Co-administration of BALVERSA with moderate CYP3A4 inducers may decrease erdafitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Decreased erdafitinib plasma concentrations may lead to decreased activity. Clinical Management If a moderate CYP3A4 inducer must be co-administered at the start of BALVERSA treatment, administer BALVERSA at a dose of 9 mg daily. When a moderate CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, continue BALVERSA at the same dose, in the absence of drug-related toxicity. Serum Phosphate Level-Altering Agents Clinical Impact Co-administration of BALVERSA with other serum phosphate level-altering agents may increase or decrease serum phosphate levels [see Pharmacodynamics (12.2) ]. Changes in serum phosphate levels due to serum phosphate level-altering agents (other than erdafitinib) may interfere with serum phosphate levels needed for the determination of initial dose increased based on serum phosphate levels [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. Clinical Management Avoid co-administration of serum phosphate level-altering agents with BALVERSA before initial dose increase period based on serum phosphate levels (Days 14 to 21) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ]. 7.2 Effect of BALVERSA on Other Drugs Table 8 summarizes the effect of BALVERSA on other drugs and their clinical management. Table 8: BALVERSA Drug Interactions that Affect Other Drugs P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Substrates Clinical Impact Co-administration of BALVERSA with P-gp substrates may increase the plasma concentrations of P-gp substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Increased plasma concentrations of P-gp substrates may lead to increased toxicity of the P-gp substrates. Clinical Management If co-administration of BALVERSA with P-gp substrates is unavoidable, separate BALVERSA administration by at least 6 hours before or after administration of P-gp substrates with narrow therapeutic index.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Balversa treat?
- Balversa (Erdafitinib) may be used to treat transitional cell carcinoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Balversa?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Balversa. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Balversa?
- Balversa is marketed by Janssen Biotech. You can see Janssen Biotech's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Balversa a brand-name or generic drug?
- Balversa is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Erdafitinib.
- Is Balversa available over the counter?
- No. Balversa is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Balversa come in?
- Balversa is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Balversa FDA-registered?
- Balversa is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA212018. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Balversa safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Balversa. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Balversa?
- Balversa's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling: Ocular Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Hyperphosphatemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . The most common (>20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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