Erdafixen (Erdafitinib 4 mg Tablet)

Erdafixen (Erdafitinib 4 mg Tablet) is a targeted cancer therapy used for the treatment of advanced bladder (Urothelial) cancer with specific FGFR gene mutations. It works by blocking fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) that help cancer cell growth and survival. Common side effects include dry mouth, fatigue, and vision changes. In Bangladesh, Erdafitinib is available as the generic version Erdafixen, offering an affordable treatment option for patients requiring FGFR inhibitor therapy under medical supervision.

What is the Erdafitinib 4 mg tablet used for?

Erdafixen 4 mg tablet is indicated by the FDA for use in adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that has susceptible FGFR3 or FGFR2 genetic alterations and progressed during or following at least one line of prior platinum-containing chemotherapy, including within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant platinum-containing chemotherapy.

Select patients for Erdafixen based on an FDA-approved diagnostic test. 

How does an Erdafitinib tablet work?

Erdafixen 4 mg is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by binding and inhibiting the enzymatic activities of FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4. It also binds to RET, CSF1R, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, FLT4, KIT, and VEGFR2. In clinical trials, Erdafitinib inhibited signaling and decreased cell division in FGFR genetic alterations, including point mutations, amplifications, and fusions.

What is the dose of Erdafitinib Tablet?

Before starting treatment with the Erdafixen tablet, confirm the FGFR genetic alteration in the tumor specimen.

• Recommended starting dose is 8 mg daily once orally, with a dose increase to 9 mg if daily criteria are met.

How to take Erdafitinib 4 mg?

• Swallow the whole tablet with or without food.
• Take Erdfixen exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take.
• Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain the drug level in the blood.
• Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently discontinue after getting certain adverse reactions.
• If you vomit after taking Erdafixen, do not take another dose on that day. Take the regular dose the next day.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Do not take the missed dose if it is close to the next dose. Take the regular dose the next day; do not take an overdose to make up for the missed dose.

What are the Side effects of Erdafitinib tablets?

• Eye problems are common with Erdafixen and can be serious. Eye problems include dry or inflamed eyes, an inflamed cornea, and disorders of the retina. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop blurred vision or other visual changes. You should use an artificial tear substitute to keep your eyes hydrated.
• High phosphate levels in the blood are common in this treatment, but sometimes it can be serious. Your healthcare provider will check your blood phosphate level between 14-21 days after starting the treatment, and the dosage may be changed.

The most common side effects

• Anemia
• Mouth sores
• Change in kidney functions
• Dry eyes
• Hair loss
• Redness, swelling, peeling, or tenderness, mainly on the hands on feet.
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Muscle pain
• Decreased appetite
• Low sodium level
• Change in sense of taste

This is not the complete list of side effects. Patients can experience different side effects. Consult your doctor if you experience any intolerable side effects.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Erdafitinib?

• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any nail or skin problems problems including nails separating from the nail bed, nail pain, nail bleeding, breaking of the nails, color or texture changes in your nails, infected skin around the nail, an itchy skin rash, dry skin, or cracks in the skin.
• Erdafixen may affect fertility in women who can become pregnant. Inform your healthcare provider if it is a concern for you.
• If you have vision or eye problems.
• If you are pregnant and planning to become pregnant. Erdafixen may harm your unborn baby. 
• If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.