Erdafitinib (Balversa) is a kinase inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma harbouring specific FGFR3 or FGFR2 genetic alterations and whose disease has progressed following at least one line of platinum-containing chemotherapy.
What Are the Purchase Channels for Erdafitinib (Balversa)?
Overseas Purchase
Patients may opt to consult and purchase the drug at hospital pharmacies or licensed pharmacies in countries or regions where erdafitinib has been marketed.
As drug prices may be affected by factors such as regional differences and exchange rate fluctuations, patients need to make a budget and plan in advance before purchasing.
Purchase via Medical Service Institutions
Patients may consult domestic overseas medical service institutions that cooperate with international pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies.
These institutions can usually provide legal import channels as well as professional consultation and guidance.
Precautions for Purchasing Erdafitinib (Balversa)
Core Evaluations Before Treatment
Genetic testing: It is imperative to confirm the presence of erdafitinib-sensitive FGFR genetic alterations specified in the package insert in the tumor tissue through officially approved testing methods. This is an absolute prerequisite for drug administration.
Comprehensive baseline examinations: Prior to treatment, physicians will conduct a full assessment of patients, including ophthalmic examinations (visual acuity, fundus oculi, etc.).
Blood tests (with focus on serum phosphate, creatinine, liver function, complete blood count, etc.).
Review of all concurrent medications (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and Chinese herbal medicines).
Ocular Disorders
Erdafitinib may cause central serous retinopathy/retinal pigment epithelial detachment (CSR/RPED), dry eye syndrome, etc.
Patients should be alert to blurred vision, visual field defects or any visual changes and immediately inform their physicians of such symptoms.
To prevent or manage dry eye, patients should frequently use artificial tear substitutes, hydrating or lubricating eye gels or ointments every 2 hours during waking hours.
Ophthalmic examinations are required once a month for the first 4 months after treatment initiation, and then once every 3 months thereafter.
Pregnancy and Lactation
This drug has potential fetal hazards.
Women of reproductive potential must use effective contraceptive measures during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.
Male patients with female partners of reproductive potential must also adopt effective contraceptive measures during the same period.
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.
How to Distinguish the Authenticity of Erdafitinib (Balversa)?
Verification of Appearance and Markings
Examine the tablets carefully. Authentic erdafitinib tablets are round, biconvex and film-coated.
Each tablet is engraved with specific markings: one side bears a number ("3", "4" or "5", indicating the dosage in milligrams) and the other side bears the letters "EF".
The color of the tablets corresponds to the dosage strength (yellow/orange/brown).
Vigilance is required if the tablets show abnormal color, blurred markings, damage or signs of moisture absorption.
Verification of Packaging and Anti-Counterfeiting Features
Inspect the minimum drug packaging (aluminum foil blister or bottle) as well as the outer carton.
Authentic packaging features exquisite printing and clear text, with complete batch number, expiration date and manufacturing location.
