BALVERSA Film-coated tablet Ref.[111498] Active ingredients: Erdafitinib

Ocular disorders

Prior to initiating Balversa, a baseline ophthalmological exam including an Amsler grid test, fundoscopy, visual acuity and, if available, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) should be performed.

Balversa can cause ocular disorders, including central serous retinopathy (CSR) (a grouped term including retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED)) resulting in visual field defect (see sections 4.7 and 4.8). The overall incidence of central serous retinopathy was higher in patients ≥65 years of age (33.3%) compared with patients <65 years of age (28.8%). Events of RPED were reported more frequently in patients ≥65 years of age (6.3%) compared with patients <65 years of age 7 (2.1%). Close clinical monitoring is recommended in patients aged 65 years and older as well as with patients that have clinically significant medical eye disorders, such as retinal disorders, including but not limited to, central serous retinopathy, macular/retinal degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and previous retinal detachment (see section 4.8).

Dry eye symptoms occurred in 16.7% of patients during treatment with Balversa and were Grade 3 or 4 in 0.3% of patients (see section 4.8). All patients should receive dry eye prophylaxis or treatment with ocular demulcents (for example artificial tear substitutes, hydrating or lubricating eye gels or ointment) at least every 2 hours during waking hours. Severe treatment-related dry eye should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Perform monthly ophthalmological examinations including an Amsler grid test during the first 4 months of treatment and every 3 months afterwards, and urgently at any time for visual symptoms (see section 4.2). If any abnormality is observed, follow the management guidelines in Table 3. Ophthalmological examination should include assessment of visual acuity, slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, and optical coherence tomography. Close monitoring including clinical ophthalmological examinations should be performed in patients who have restarted Balversa after an ocular adverse event.

When CSR occurs Balversa should be withheld and permanently discontinued if it does not resolve within 4 weeks or if Grade 4 in severity. For ocular adverse reactions, follow the dose modification guidelines (see section 4.2, Eye disorder management).

Hyperphosphataemia

Balversa can cause hyperphosphataemia. Prolonged hyperphosphataemia can lead to soft tissue mineralisation, cutaneous calcinosis, non-uraemic calciphylaxis, hypocalcaemia, anaemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, muscle cramps, seizure activity, QT interval prolongation and arrhythmias. Hyperphosphataemia was reported early during Balversa treatment, with most events occurring within the first 3-4 months and Grade 3 events occurring within the first month.

Monitor for hyperphosphataemia throughout treatment. Dietary phosphate intake (600-800 mg daily) should be restricted and concomitant use of agents that may increase serum phosphate levels should be avoided for serum phosphate levels ≥5.5 mg/dL (see section 4.2). Supplementation with vitamin D in patients receiving erdafitinib is not recommended due to potential contribution to increased serum phosphate and calcium 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. Consider withholding, reducing the dose, or permanently discontinuing Balversa based on duration and severity of hyperphosphataemia, according to Table 2 (see section 4.2).

Use with products known to prolong QT interval

Caution is advised when administering Balversa with medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval or medicinal products with a potential to induce torsades de pointes, such as class IA (e.g., quinidine, disopyramide) or class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, ibutilide) antiarrhythmic medicinal products, macrolide antibiotics, SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, escitalopram), methadone, moxifloxacin, and antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol and thioridazine).

Hypophosphataemia

Hypophosphataemia can occur during treatment with Balversa. Serum phosphate level should be monitored during erdafitinib treatment and erdafitinib treatment breaks. If the serum phosphate level falls below normal, phosphate-lowering therapy and dietary phosphate restrictions (if applicable) should be discontinued. Severe hypophosphataemia may present with confusion, seizures, focal neurologic findings, heart failure, respiratory failure, muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, and haemolytic anaemia. For dose modifications see section 4.2. Hypophosphataemia reactions were Grade 3-4 in 1.0% of patients.

Nail disorders

Nail disorders including onycholysis, nail discolouration and paronychia can occur very commonly with Balversa treatment (see section 4.8).

Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of nail toxicities. Patients should be advised on preventative treatment such as good hygiene practices, over-the-counter nail strengthener as needed and monitor for signs of infection. Treatment with Balversa should be discontinued or modified based on erdafitinib-related toxicity as described in Table 4.

Skin disorders

Skin disorders including dry skin, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (PPES) syndrome, alopecia and pruritus can occur very commonly with Balversa treatment (see section 4.8). Patients should be monitored and provided supportive care such as avoiding unnecessary exposure to sunlight and excessive use of soap and bathing. Patients should use moisturisers regularly and avoid perfumed products. Treatment with Balversa should be discontinued or modified based on erdafitinib-related toxicity as described in Table 4.

Photosensitivity reactions

Care should be taken with sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and/or sunscreen due to the potential risk of phototoxicity reactions associated with Balversa treatment.

Mucosal disorders

Stomatitis and dry mouth can occur very commonly with Balversa treatment (see section 4.8). Patients should be counselled to seek medical attention should symptoms worsen. Patients should be monitored and provided supportive care as such as good oral hygiene, baking soda mouthwashes 3 or 4 times per day as needed and avoidance of spicy and/or acidic foods. Treatment with Balversa should be discontinued or modified based on erdafitinib-related toxicity as described in Table 4.

Laboratory tests

Creatinine elevations, hyponatraemia, transaminase elevations, and anaemia have been reported in patients receiving Balversa (see section 4.8). Complete blood counts and serum chemistries should be performed regularly during treatment with Balversa to monitor for these changes.

Reproductive and developmental toxicity

Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animal reproduction studies, erdafitinib is embryotoxic and teratogenic (see section 5.3). Pregnant women should be advised of the potential risk to the foetus. Female patients of reproductive potential should be advised to use highly effective contraception prior to and during treatment, and for 1 month after the last dose (see section 4.6). Male patients should be counselled to use effective contraception (e.g., condom) and not donate or store semen during treatment with and for 1 month after the last dose of Balversa (see section 4.6).

Pregnancy testing with a highly sensitive assay is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating Balversa.

Combination with strong or moderate CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 inhibitors

Concomitant use of Balversa with moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors requires dose adjustment (see section 4.5).

Combination with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers

Concomitant use of Balversa with strong CYP3A4 inducers is not recommended. Concomitant use of Balversa with moderate CYP3A4 inducers requires dose adjustment (see section 4.5).

Combination with hormonal contraceptives

Concomitant administration of Balversa may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Patients using hormonal contraceptives should be advised to use an alternative contraceptive not affected by enzyme inducers (e.g., non-hormonal intrauterine device) or an additional nonhormonal contraception (e.g., condom) during treatment with and until 1 month after the last dose of Balversa (see sections 4.5 and 4.6).

Excipients with known effect

Each film-coated tablet contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg), that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

Effect of other medicinal products on Balversa

Moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

Co-administration with a moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increased erdafitinib exposure and may lead to increased drug-related toxicity. Erdafitinib mean ratios (90% CI) for C_max and AUC_∞ were 121% (99.9, 147) and 148% (120, 182), respectively, when co-administered with fluconazole, a moderate CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inhibitor, relative to erdafitinib alone. C_max of erdafitinib was 105% (90% CI: 86.7, 127) and AUC_∞ was 134% (90% CI: 109, 164) when co-administered with itraconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and P-gp inhibitor, relative to erdafitinib alone. Consider alternative agents with no or minimal enzyme inhibition potential. If Balversa is co-administered with a moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, miconazole, ceritinib, clarithromycin, telithromycin, elvitegravir, ritonavir, paritaprevir, saquinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, tipranavir, lopinavir, amiodarone, piperine), reduce the Balversa dose to the next lower dose based on tolerability (see section 4.2). If the moderate CYP2C9 or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, the Balversa dose may be adjusted as tolerated (see section 4.4).

Grapefruit or Seville oranges should be avoided while taking Balversa due to strong CYP3A4 inhibition (see section 4.2).

Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers

Co-administration with carbamazepine, a strong CYP3A4 and weak CYP2C9 inducer leads to decreased erdafitinib exposure. Mean ratios of C_max and AUC_∞ for erdafitinib was 65.4% (90% CI: 60.8, 70.5) and 37.7% (90% CI: 35.4, 40.2), respectively, when co-administered with carbamazepine relative to erdafitinib alone. Avoid co-administration of Balversa with strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as apalutamide, enzalutamide, lumacaftor, ivosidenib, mitotane, rifapentine, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort). If Balversa is co-administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inducer (such as dabrafenib, bosentan, cenobamate, elagolix, efavirenz, etravirine, lorlatinib, mitapivat, modafinil, pexidartinib, phenobarbital, primidone, repotrectinib, rifabutin, sotorasib, telotristat ethyl), the dose should be cautiously increased by 1 to 2 mg and adjusted gradually every two to three weeks based on clinical monitoring for adverse reactions, not to exceed 9 mg. If the moderate CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, the Balversa dose may be adjusted as tolerated (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

Effect of Balversa on other medicinal products

Major CYP isoform substrates (including hormonal contraceptives)

Mean ratios of C_max and AUC_∞ for midazolam (a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate) were 86.3% (90% CI: 73.5, 101) and 82.1% (90% CI: 70.8, 95.2), respectively, when co-administered with erdafitinib relative to midazolam alone. Erdafitinib does not have a clinically meaningful effect on midazolam PK. However, it cannot be excluded that CYP3A4 induction after administration of Balversa alone or concomitant administration of other CYP3A4 inducers together with Balversa may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives.

Patients using hormonal contraceptives should be advised to use an alternative contraceptive not affected by enzyme inducers (e.g., non-hormonal intrauterine device) or an additional nonhormonal contraception (e.g., condom) during treatment with and until 1 month after the last dose of Balversa (see section 4.4).

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates

Erdafitinib is an inhibitor of P-gp. Concomitant administration of Balversa with P-gp substrates may increase their systemic exposure. Oral narrow therapeutic index P gp substrates (such as colchicine, digoxin, dabigatran, and apixaban) should be taken at least 6 hours before or after erdafitinib to minimise the potential for interactions.

Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) substrates

Mean ratios of C_max and AUC_∞ for metformin (a sensitive OCT2 substrate) were 109% (90% CI: 90.3, 131) and 114% (90% CI: 93.2, 139), respectively, when co-administered with erdafitinib relative to metformin alone. Erdafitinib does not have a clinically meaningful effect on metformin PK.

Medicinal products that can alter serum phosphate levels

In patients receiving Balversa, medicinal products that can alter serum phosphate levels should be avoided until assessment of serum phosphate level between 14 and 21 days after initiating treatment due to potential impact on up-titration decision.

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females

Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animal reproduction studies, erdafitinib can cause foetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Female patients of child-bearing potential should be advised to use highly effective contraception prior to and during treatment, and for 1 month after the last dose of Balversa. Male patients should be advised to use effective contraception (e.g., condom) and not donate or store semen during treatment with and for 1 month after the last dose of Balversa.

Concomitant administration of Balversa may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Patients using hormonal contraceptives should be advised to use an alternative contraceptive not affected by enzyme inducers (e.g., non-hormonal intrauterine device) or an additional nonhormonal contraception (e.g., condom) during treatment with and for 1 month after the last dose of Balversa (see section 4.5).

Pregnancy testing

Pregnancy testing with a highly sensitive assay is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating Balversa.

Pregnancy

There are no data from the use of erdafitinib in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Based on the mechanism of action of erdafitinib and the findings in animal reproduction studies, Balversa should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the women requires treatment with erdafitinib.

If Balversa is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Balversa, advise the patient of the potential hazard to the foetus and counsel the patient about her clinical and therapeutic options. Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare professional if they become pregnant or pregnancy is suspected while being treated with Balversa and up to 1 month afterwards.

Breast-feeding

There are no data on the presence of erdafitinib in human milk, or the effects of erdafitinib on the breast-fed infant, or on milk production.

A risk to the suckling child cannot be excluded. Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment and for 1 month following the last dose of Balversa.

Fertility

There are no human data on the impact of erdafitinib on fertility. Dedicated animal fertility studies have not been conducted with erdafitinib (see section 5.3). Based on preliminary fertility assessment in general animal studies (see section 5.3) and on the pharmacology of erdafitinib, impairment of male and female fertility cannot be excluded.

Balversa has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Eye disorders such as central serous retinopathy or keratitis have been noted with FGFR inhibitors and with Balversa treatment. If patients experience treatment related symptoms affecting their vision, it is recommended that they do not drive or use machines until the effect subsides (see section 4.4).

Summary of the safety profileSummary of the safety profile

The most common adverse reactions were hyperphosphataemia (78.5%), diarrhoea (55.5%), stomatitis (52.8%), dry mouth (39.9%), decreased appetite (31.7%) dry skin (28.0%), anaemia (28.2%), constipation (27.3%), dysgeusia (26.3%), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (PPES) (25.5%), alopecia (23.2%), alanine aminotransferase increased (21.7%), onycholysis (21.7%), nausea (18.6%), weight decreased (21.7%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (18%), dry eye (16.7%), nail discolouration (15.9%), vomiting (13.8%), blood creatinine increased (13.8%), hyponatraemia (13.4%), paronychia (12.5%), nail dystrophy (11.9%), onychomadesis (11.5%), epistaxis (10.6%) and nail disorder (10.2%).

Most common Grade 3 or higher ADRs were stomatitis (10.6%), hyponatraemia (8.8%), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (7.9%), onycholysis (4.8%), diarrhoea (4.0%), hyperphosphataemia (2.9%), decreased appetite (2.5%), and nail dystrophy (2.5%). Grade 3 or 4 related TEAEs (47.6% vs 43.5%) and related serious adverse events (14.6% vs 10.5%) were reported more frequently for patients 65 years and older versus patients <65 years.

Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 59.7% of patients. Stomatitis (15.4%), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (9.6%), onycholysis (7.3%) and hyperphosphataemia (5.2%) were the most common adverse events leading to dose reduction.

Adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 19.4% of patients. Detachment of retinal pigment epithelium (1.7%) and stomatitis (1.5%) were the most common adverse events leading to treatment discontinuations.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The safety profile is based on pooled data from 479 locally advanced unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients who were treated with Balversa in clinical studies. Patients were treated with Balversa at 8/9 mg starting dose orally once daily. Median duration of treatment was 4.8 months (range 0.1 to 43.4 months).

Adverse reactions observed during clinical studies are listed below in Table 6 by frequency category. Frequency categories are defined as follows: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1 000); very rare (<1/10 000).

Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 6. Adverse reactions identified in clinical studies:

^a Central serous retinopathy includes Retinal detachment, Vitreous detachment, Retinal oedema, Retinopathy, Chorioretinopathy, Detachment of retinal pigment epithelium, Detachment of macular retinal pigment epithelium, Macular detachment, Serous retinal detachment, Subretinal fluid, Retinal thickening, Chorioretinitis, Serous retinopathy, Maculopathy, Choroidal effusion, vision blurred, visual impairment, visual acuity reduced.
^b Stomatitis includes mouth ulceration.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Central serous retinopathy (CSR)

Adverse reactions of CSR were reported in 31.5% of patients with a median time to first onset, for an event of any grade, of 51 days (see section 4.4). The most commonly reported events were vision blurred, chorioretinopathy, detachment of RPE, visual acuity reduced, visual impairment, retinal detachment, retinopathy, and subretinal fluid. Grade 3 or 4 CSR was reported in 2.7% of patients. The majority of central serous retinopathy events occurred within the first 90 days of treatment. At the time of data cutoff, CSR had resolved for 43.0% of patients. In patients with CSR, 11.3% had dose interruptions and 14.6% had dose reductions. There were 3.3% of patients who discontinued Balversa due to: detachment of RPE (1.7%), chorioretinopathy ( 0.6%), visual acuity reduced (0.6%), maculopathy (0.4%), vision blurred (0.2%), visual impairment (0.2%), retinal detachment (0.2%), and subretinal fluid (0.2%).

Other eye disorders

Eye disorders (other than central serous retinopathy) were reported in 36.3% of patients. The most commonly reported events were dry eye (16.7%), conjunctivitis (9.8%) and lacrimation increased (9.2%). Of patients with events, 4.8% had dose reductions and 6.7% had dose interruptions. There were 1.3% who discontinued erdafitinib due to eye disorders. The median time to first onset for eye disorders was 53 days (see section 4.4).

Nail disorders

Nail disorders were reported in 62.6% of patients. The most commonly reported events included onycholysis (21.7%), nail discolouration (15.9%), paronychia (12.5%), nail dystrophy (11.9%) and onychomadesis (11.5%). The incidence of nail disorders increased after the first month of exposure. The median time to onset for any grade nail disorder was 63 days.

Skin disorders

Skin disorders were reported in 54.5% of patients. The most commonly reported events were dry skin (28%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (25.5%). The median time to onset for any grade skin disorder was 47 days.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders were reported in 83.9% of patients. The most commonly reported events were diarrhoea (55.5%), stomatitis (52.8%), and dry mouth (39.9%). The median time to onset for any grade gastrointestinal disorder was 15 days.

Hyperphosphataemia and soft tissue mineralisation

Erdafitinib can cause hyperphosphataemia. Increases in phosphate concentrations are an expected and transient pharmacodynamic effect (see section 5.1). Hyperphosphataemia was reported as an adverse event in 78.5% of patients treated with Balversa. Hyperphosphataemia was reported early during erdafitinib treatment, with Grade 1-2 events generally occurring within the first 3 or 4 months and Grade 3 events occurring within the first month. The median onset time for any grade event of hyperphosphataemia was 16 days. Vascular calcification has been observed in 0.2% of patients treated with Balversa (see section 4.2). Hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism have been observed in 6.1% and 2.9%, respectively, in patients treated with Balversa (see Table 2 in section 4.2).

Hypophosphataemia

Erdafitinib can cause hypophosphataemia. Hypophosphataemia occurred in 5.6% of patients. Hypophosphataemia reactions were Grade 3-4 in 1.0% of patients. The median time to onset for Grade 3 was 140 days. None of the events were serious, led to discontinuation or to dose reduction. Dose interruption occurred in 0.2% of patients.

Abnormal laboratory findings

Abnormal laboratory findings (other than hyperphosphataemia, which is described separately), occurred in 53.4% of patients. The most commonly reported laboratory abnormalities were anaemia (28.2% (135 patients); median time to onset 44 days, 38.5% (52/135) resolved), alanine aminotransferase increased (21.7% (104 patients); median time to onset 41 days; 75% (78/104) resolved)), aspartate aminotransferase increased (18% (86 patients); median time to onset 37 days; 73.3% (63/86) resolved)), blood creatinine increased (14.2% (68 patients); median time to onset 57 days; 44.1% (30/68) resolved), and hyponatraemia (13.4% (64 patients); median time to onset 55 days; 51.6% (33/64) resolved).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.

Not applicable.