What is Letermovir?
Letermovir, an antiviral medication, is used to prevent cytomegalovirus infection following a stem-cell (bone marrow) transplant from a donor. Letermovir can be used by adults who are CMV seropositive. Seropositive is a term that means the virus is in your blood, even if there are no symptoms.CMV-seropositive people are at risk of "reactivation" if their immune system weakens. CMV infections are usually treatable but can be dangerous for people who undergo stem cell transplants.
Letermovir can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Letermovir
When experiencing signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
Letermovir may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
If you are also taking certain other medicines, serious side effects can occur.
Letermovir can cause a variety of side effects.
- Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- Have you experienced swelling in either or both arms and legs
- Cough;
- Headache
- Feeling tired
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with any side effect information can be done via 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Valacyclovir, Valganciclovir, Valcyte, Letermovir, and Prevymis
Warnings
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, as well as any new ones. Letermovir can interact with many drugs, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken together.
Before you take this drug
Letermovir can have unwanted or harmful effects. If you take any of these drugs, your doctor may have to alter your treatment plan.
- Pimozide;
- Cholesterol medication—pitavastatin, simvastatin,
- Ergot medicine: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides levels (blood fats found in your system) is linked with various health problems including an elevated heart attack risk.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Letermovir?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Letermovir orally is taken by mouth.Injections of letermovir are given into the vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medication properly.Take letermovir with or without food.Do not chew or crush a letermovir tablet. Instead, swallow it whole.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not fully comprehend the instructions, do not hesitate to consult your physician or pharmacist.Prep an injection only when it's time for administration.. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed colour, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.Before using the IV bag, you may need to dilute the injection solution. You should know how to mix and store your injections if you use them at home.The mixture can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.Letermovir must be injected slowly, and it can take up to an hour for the entire IV bag of medicine to be used.Letermovir is typically given as an oral tablet or as an injection once daily for 100 days following your stem cell transplant.Letermovir should be taken for the entire prescribed time period, even if there are no symptoms. You may be at greater risk for a second infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses.Letermovir injection solution or tablets should be stored in their original packaging at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Each tablet should be kept in its foil blister until you're ready to use it.The injection solution should not be shaken. Do not prepare your dose until you are ready for an injection. If the colour of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Each letermovir single-use vial is only for one-time use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for CMV prophylaxis:
480 mg IV or orally once daily
The duration of the therapy is from Day 100 after transplantation.
Comments:
This medication should be initiated between Day 0 and Day 28 after transplantation (before or following engraftment).
Use: To prevent cytomegalovirus infection and disease among CMV-seropositive [R+] recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplants (HSCT).
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, increasing side effects or making them less effective.Tell your doctor all the medicines you are taking and those that you have started or stopped using. Your letermovir dosage will need to change if you are also taking cyclosporine.Letermovir may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
