Key facts about Letermovir
What dosages is Letermovir available in?
Letermovir is available as a 240 mg and 480 mg oral tablet and a 240 mg/12 mL (20 mg/mL) or 480 mg/24 mL (20 mg/mL) IV injection.
What is Letermovir used for?
Letermovir is an antiviral and is used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults:
Who received a stem cell transplant and tests positive for CMV
Who received a kidney transplant and are at high risk for CMV infection
How does Letermovir work?
Letermovir is an antiviral medication. It stops a certain enzyme (protein) in cytomegalovirus (CMV) from working. This prevents the virus from being able to replicate (copy itself) and grow.
How do I take Letermovir?
Letermovir is typically started right before or within a month after you’ve received your stem cell or kidney transplant. You’ll continue to take this medication until 100 days after your stem cell transplant, or 200 days after your kidney transplant.
The typical dose is 480 mg by mouth once daily. If you can’t take medications by mouth, Letermovir can also be given as an injection into the veins (IV) by a healthcare provider.
Your dose might differ if you’re also taking cyclosporine.
Is it safe for me to take Letermovir?
Letermovir is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. Letermovir is contraindicated with:
Pimozide.
Ergot Alkaloids.
Pitavastatin and simvastatin when co-administered with cyclosporine.
Letermovir Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Letermovir:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Swelling in arms or legs
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
Letermovir Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Letermovir.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Letermovir
The following medications may interact with Letermovir:
- Dosage Adjustment: If Letermovir is co-administered with
- cyclosporine, the dosage of Letermovir should be decreased to
- 240 mg once daily.
- Co-administration of Letermovir may alter the plasma concentrations
- of other drugs and other drugs may alter the plasma concentrations
- of Letermovir. Consult the full prescribing information prior to and
- during treatment for potential drug interactions.
Who makes Letermovir?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Letermovir safe in pregnancy?
No adequate human data are available to establish whether Letermovir poses a risk to pregnancy
outcomes. Letermovir should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit to you is worth the possible risk to your baby.
