Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Letermovir Oral/Injection?
Letermovir is an antiviral medicine used to help prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant from a donor. Letermovir is for use in adults who are seropositive for CMV. Seropositive means that the virus is in your blood even if you do not show any symptoms of infection.
A CMV-seropositive person is at risk for "reactivation" of the virus if the immune system becomes weak. While normally treatable, CMV infection can be serious in people undergoing a stem cell transplant.
Letermovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with letermovir. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:
- pimozide;
- cholesterol medication--pitavastatin, simvastatin; or
- ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- diabetes; or
- high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use Letermovir Oral/Injection
Use Letermovir Oral/Injection (Prevymis) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Letermovir oral is taken by mouth.
Letermovir injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
You may take letermovir tablets with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break a letermovir tablet. Swallow it whole.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
You may need to mix the injection solution with a liquid (diluent) in an IV bag before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
You can store the mixture for up to 24 hours at room temperature, or up to 48 hours in a refrigerator.
Letermovir injection must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to use all of the medicine in the IV bag.
Letermovir oral or injection is usually given once per day for up to 100 days after your stem cell transplant.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if you have no symptoms. Skipping doses may increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to medication.
Store letermovir tablets or unmixed injection solution in the original packaging at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep each tablet in the foil blister pack until you are ready to take a tablet.
Do not shake the injection solution bottle. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each single-use vial (bottle) of letermovir injection is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Letermovir Oral/Injection side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or irregular heartbeats.
Serious side effects may occur if you also use certain other medications.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- swelling in your arms or legs;
- cough;
- headache; or
- feeling tired.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Letermovir Oral/Injection?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.