Prevymis (Letermovir)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Prevymis Used For?
Prevymis is an antiviral medication that helps prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults who have recently undergone a stem cell or kidney transplant.
Primary Uses
Used to prevent CMV infection in adults with weakened immune systems after stem cell or kidney transplants.
How It Works
Prevymis works by inhibiting the replication of CMV, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
Good to know: Prevymis is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Prevymis
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take Prevymis, which can be administered as tablets or through an IV.
Dosage Instructions
Take one tablet of Prevymis once daily, swallowing it whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing. It can be taken with or without food. If administered intravenously, it will be given once daily over approximately one hour.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Prevymis, do not take two doses at once. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Important: Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- swelling in arms and legs
- cough
- headache
- tiredness
- abdominal pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- low number of white blood cells
Impulse Control Issues
There are no specific mentions of impulse control issues related to Prevymis.
Important Warnings
There are important considerations to keep in mind before taking Prevymis.
Who Should Not Take Prevymis
Do not take Prevymis if you have a known allergy to letermovir or any of its ingredients. Avoid using it with pimozide or ergot alkaloids.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor about any allergies, existing medical conditions, or if you are taking other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as the effects on the baby are not fully known.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Special caution is advised for elderly patients, particularly those with dementia.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Prevymis, affecting its effectiveness or increasing side effects.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may interact with Prevymis, consult your doctor for advice.
- Pimozide
- Ergot alkaloids
- Pitavastatin
- Simvastatin
- Alfentanil
- Fentanyl
- Amiodarone
- Midazolam
- Quinidine
- Ciclosporin
- Tacrolimus
- Sirolimus
- Voriconazole
- Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin)
- Omeprazole
- Pantoprazole
- Glyburide
- Repaglinide
- Rosiglitazone
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Warfarin
- Nafcillin
- Rifabutin
- Rifampicin
- Thioridazine
- Bosentan
- St. John's wort
- Efavirenz
- Etravirine
- Nevirapine
- Modafinil
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Prevymis.
Alcohol
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol use while on Prevymis.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how Prevymis affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings were mentioned.
Storage
Store Prevymis tablets below 30°C in their blister pack. Keep the concentrated injection for infusion below 25°C in its original carton to protect from light.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose of Prevymis, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prevymis begins to work by preventing CMV infection shortly after you start taking it, but the exact time may vary.
Yes, Prevymis can be taken with or without food.
No, Prevymis is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Prevymis without consulting your doctor, as it may increase the risk of CMV infection.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while taking Prevymis.
There is no information provided about weight gain associated with Prevymis.
Elderly patients should use Prevymis with caution, especially those with dementia.
If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at once. Contact your doctor for guidance.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.