Prevymis
Prevymis (letermovir) is an antiviral medication that's FDA approved to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults who received a stem cell transplant and tests positive for CMV. It's also used to prevent CMV infection in certain adults who received a kidney transplant. It's available as a brand-name medication only and taken just once per day. Prevymis (letermovir) also interacts with many medications. Common side effects of the medication include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
What is Prevymis (letermovir)?
What is Prevymis (letermovir) used for?
- Prevention of 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 Prevymis (letermovir) works
Prevymis (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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Prevymis |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antiviral |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Prevymis (letermovir)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (27%)
- Diarrhea (26%)
- Vomiting (19%)
- Swelling in arms or legs (14%)
- Cough (14%)
- Headache (14%)
- Fatigue (13%)
- Stomach pain (12%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Fast heart rate
- Irregular heartbeat
The following Prevymis (letermovir) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Prevymis (letermovir)
Pros
- Available as tablets and an injection
- Only need to take it for a few months
- Taken just once per day
Cons
- Interacts with a lot of medications
- Can't be used in people with severe liver problems
- Not known if safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Prevymis (letermovir)
- Take Prevymis (letermovir) tablets with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Don't crush or chew the tablets since doing so can affect how well the medication works.
- Prevymis (letermovir) interacts with a lot of medications, including amiodarone, warfarin (Coumadin), and some seizure medications. Make sure to tell your provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements you take before starting Prevymis (letermovir). Don't start any new medications while taking Prevymis (letermovir) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first.
- Set an alarm to help you remember to take your dose of Prevymis (letermovir) every day. It's important to not miss or skip doses of Prevymis (letermovir) and to continue taking the medication for the entire time your provider has prescribed. Otherwise, missing or skipping doses puts you at risk for a CMV infection. Let your provider know right away if you experience symptoms of an infection, including fever, sore throat, or tiredness.
- If you do miss a dose of Prevymis (letermovir), take it as soon as you remember. But if you don't remember it until it's already time for your next dose, just skip your missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Never double up on Prevymis (letermovir) doses to make up for a missed dose.
Risks and warnings for Prevymis (letermovir)
Prevymis (letermovir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Interactions with other medications
There are many medications that interact with Prevymis (letermovir). Some medications, including Prevymis (letermovir), might need to have the dosages adjusted or you might need to stop taking them all together. Taking a medication that interacts with Prevymis (letermovir) can cause it to not work as well for you and cause a CMV infection, or can give you severe side effects. Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications (prescription, over-the-counter, supplements) you take before starting Prevymis (letermovir). Don't start any new medications while taking Prevymis (letermovir) without talking to your provider first.
Prevymis (letermovir) dosage
Typical dosage for Prevymis (letermovir)
Prevymis (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, Prevymis (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.
How much does Prevymis (letermovir) cost?
$1,017.99
Prevymis (letermovir) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Prevymis (letermovir) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking Prevymis (letermovir) together with pimozide (Orap), ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine
- Taking Prevymis (letermovir) together with cyclosporine and pitavastatin (Livalo) or simvastatin (Zocor)
