Letermovir - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Letermovir is used to prevent infection and disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in individuals who have recently had a bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Letermovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition or response to the medication.

Take Letermovir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Do not take Letermovir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Do not take Letermovir with medicines used to treat Tourette's syndrome (a disorder characterised by sudden, repetitive, and uncontrollable body movements or vocal sounds), migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound), or herbal medicine. If you are taking Letermovir with ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders), do not take certain blood-thinning medicines or cholesterol-lowering medicines. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • severe liver disease
  • have both moderate liver disease and moderate or severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to Letermovir regularly.
  • Routine blood tests may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
  • Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection or changes in urination may also be needed.
What side effects could I experience?
Letermovir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, changes in taste, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, and swelling of ankles, hands, or feet.

If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Do not take Letermovir with the following medicines:
  • pimozide (medicine used to treat Tourette's syndrome [a disorder characterised by sudden, repetitive, and uncontrollable body movements or vocal sounds])
  • medicines for migraine e.g. ergotamine, dihydroergotamine
  • St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
If you are taking Letermovir with ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders), do not take the following medicines:
  • certain cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin
  • dabigatran (blood-thinning medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
  • strong painkillers e.g. fentanyl, alfentanil
  • other medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. sirolimus, tacrolimus
  • medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, repaglinide, tolbutamide
  • medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
  • medicines that reduce stomach acid production e.g. esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole
  • medicines for HIV infection e.g. efavirenz, atazanavir, lopinavir, ritonavir
  • medicines for TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
  • certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin
  • medicines that can cause drowsiness or affect your concentration e.g. midazolam, diazepam
  • quinidine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
  • warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
  • voriconazole (medicine to treat fungal infections)
  • simeprevir (medicine for hepatitis C infection)
  • modafinil (medicine to treat sleep disorder)
  • gemfibrozil (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
  • fexofenadine (medicine for cold or allergy)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Letermovir.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on letermovir - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
Exclusive offer for doctors
Register for a MIMS account and receive free medical publications worth $139 a year.
Already a member? Sign in
Exclusive offer for doctors
Register for a MIMS account and receive free medical publications worth $139 a year.
Already a member? Sign in