This medication is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV)
disease or infection in people who have received a transplant. Maribavir is
an anti-viral drug. It works by stopping the growth of the
virus.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking maribavir
and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. The dosage is based on your
medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be
taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products
you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
This medication may be swallowed whole or may be mixed
with water before being taken. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets
whole, you may place the prescribed dose in a small container of drinking
water. Use the amount of drinking water for your dose as described in the
Instructions for Use. If you prefer, you can also crush the tablets with a
spoon before adding drinking water to the container. Swirl the container
gently to mix the tablet pieces in the water and drink the mixture right
away. The mixture will taste bitter. Rinse the container with a
tablespoonful/15 milliliters of drinking water and drink again. If any
pieces of tablet remain in the container, add another tablespoonful/15
milliliters of drinking water and drink. Repeat until you have taken all of
your dose. If needed, the suspension may be prepared ahead of time. Store
the prepared suspension at room temperature and use it within 8
hours.
If you are giving this medication through a tube into
the stomach (nasogastric or orogastric tube), consult the Instructions for
Use or your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to
properly give it.
For the best effect, take this medication at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times
every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, tiredness, or changes in
taste 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.
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 taking maribavir, 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.
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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- ganciclovir
- valganciclovir
Other medications can affect the removal of maribavir
from your body, which may affect how maribavir works. Examples include
rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, 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 for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. 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.