Balversa Side Effects

Generic name: erdafitinib

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 11, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Balversa Side Effects associated with erdafitinib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Balversa.

Applies to erdafitinib: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Balversa

Along with its needed effects, erdafitinib (the active ingredient contained in Balversa) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking erdafitinib:

More common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred vision
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• chest tightness
• confusion
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• discharge
• discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
• excessive tearing
• frequent urge to urinate
• increased tearing
• irregular heartbeat
• loosening of the fingernails
• lower back or side pain
• mood or mental changes
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• redness or soreness around the fingernails
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• redness, swelling, or pain of the skin
• scaling of the skin on the hands and feet
• seizures
• stomach cramps
• tremor
• ulceration of the skin

Less common side effects

• chest pain or discomfort
• nausea
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• sweating
• vomiting

Rare side effects

• painful skin lesions

Other side effects of Balversa

Some side effects of erdafitinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• bone pain
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• difficulty in moving
• dry mouth
• dry skin
• fever
• hair loss or thinning of hair
• joint pain
• mouth or throat pain
• muscle pain or stiffness
• stomach pain
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight decreased

For healthcare professionals

Applies to erdafitinib: oral tablet.

Hematologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Hemoglobin decreased (35%), platelets decreased (19%), leukocytes decreased (17%), neutrophils decreased (10%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, neck pain, pain in extremity) (20%), arthralgia (11%)

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Dry eye (28%), central serous retinopathy/retinal pigment epithelial detachment (CSR/RPED) (25%), dry eye (e.g., dry eye, xerophthalmia, keratitis, foreign body sensation, corneal erosion) (28%), vision blurred (17%), conjunctivitis (11%), lacrimation increased (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): CSR/RPED involving central field of vision^[Ref]

Metabolic

(76%), sodium decreased (40%), decreased appetite (38%), magnesium decreased (30%), phosphate decreased (24%), calcium increased (22%), potassium increased (16%), weight loss (e.g., weight loss, cachexia) (16%), fasting glucose increased (10%)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (17%), hematuria (11%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Alanine aminotransferase increased (41%), alkaline phosphatase increased (41%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (30%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (10%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (e.g., asthenia, fatigue, lethargy, malaise) (54%), pyrexia (14%)
• Frequency not reported: Embryofetal toxicity^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dysgeusia (37%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Creatinine increased (52%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Onycholysis (e.g., onycholysis, onychoclasis, nail disorder, nail dystrophy, nail ridging) (41%), dry skin (e.g., dry skin, xerostomia) (34%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (26%), alopecia (26%), paronychia (17%), nail discoloration (11%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Stomatitis (56%), diarrhea (47%), dry mouth (45%), constipation (28%), abdominal pain (e.g., abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain upper, abdominal pain lower) (23%), nausea (21%), vomiting (13%), oropharyngeal pain (11%)^[Ref]

Further information

Balversa side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer