This medication is used to prevent disease caused by a
virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people who have received a bone
marrow transplant or kidney transplant. CMV disease can cause serious
infections, including an infection in the eye, called CMV retinitis, that
can cause blindness. Letermovir is an anti-viral drug. It works by stopping
the growth of the virus.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using letermovir and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein, as
directed by your doctor, usually once a day over 1 hour.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care
professional.
Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical
supplies safely.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Children's dosage is
also based on weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all
the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs,
and herbal products).
For the best effect, use this medication at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time
every day.
Continue to use this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished. Stopping the medication too early may result
in an infection.
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, swelling ankles/feet, cough,
or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using letermovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include asunaprevir, elacestrant, elagolix,
elbasvir/grazoprevir, ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine,
dihydroergotamine), flibanserin, lomitapide, pimozide, certain statin drugs
(such as pitavastatin, simvastatin), tovorafenib, among
others.
Other medications can affect the removal of letermovir
from your body, which may affect how letermovir works. Examples include
bosentan, certain HIV NNRTIs (such as efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine),
nafcillin, rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), St. John's wort,
thioridazine, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine,
phenytoin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later to prevent another infection unless
your doctor tells you to.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function) may
be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for
storage details. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.