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prevymis

Pharmaranks rates Prevymis 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Prevymis (Letermovir) is a cytomegalovirus dna terminase complex inhibitor.

Letermovir · by Merck Sharp Dohme

70/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Letermovir
Form
Injectable, Oral pellets, Tablet
Strength
Letermovir 240MG · Letermovir 480MG
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Merck Sharp Dohme
FDA application
NDA209939

What is Prevymis?

From the FDA label:PREVYMIS contains letermovir, an inhibitor of the CMV DNA terminase complex, and is administered orally or by intravenous infusion. Letermovir has a molecular formula of C 29 H 28 F 4 N 4 O 4 and a molecular weight of 572.55. The chemical name for letermovir is (4 S )-2-{8-Fluoro-2-[4-(3- methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-3-[2-methoxy-5- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-yl}acetic acid. Letermovir is very slightly soluble in water. The chemical structure of letermovir is: PREVYMIS is available as 240 mg and 480 mg tablets. PREVYMIS tablets contain either 240 mg or 480 mg of letermovir and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone 25, and film-coated with a coating material containing the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose 2910, iron oxide red (only for 480 mg tablets), iron oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. Carnauba wax is added as a polishing agent. PREVYMIS is available as 20 mg and 120 mg packets of oral pellets. PREVYMIS packets of oral pellets contain either 20 mg or 120 mg of letermovir. PREVYMIS oral pellets contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K-29/32, and are film-coated with a coating material…

How to use

Prevymis is sold in more than one form (Injectable, Oral pellets and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA209939 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.

Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at least 30 kg Who Are HSCT Recipients or Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older and Weighing at least 40 kg Who Are Kidney Transplant Recipients: HSCT : 480 mg administered once daily orally or as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 1 hour through 100 days post-HSCT. In patients at risk for late CMV infection and disease, PREVYMIS may be continued through 200 days post-HSCT. ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) Kidney Transplant : 480 mg administered once daily orally or as an IV infusion over 1 hour through 200 days post-transplant. ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) Pediatric Patients 6 Months to Less than 12 Years of Age or 12 Years of Age and Older and Weighing Less than 30 kg Who Are HSCT Recipients: HSCT : Dosing based on weight administered once daily orally or as an IV infusion over 1 hour through 100 days post-HSCT. In patients at risk for late CMV infection and disease, PREVYMIS may be continued through 200 days post-HSCT. ( 2.1 , 2.5 ) PREVYMIS injection must be diluted prior to administration. ( 2.1 ) PREVYMIS injection must be administered through a sterile 0.2 micron or 0.22 micron polyethersulfone (PES) in-line filter. ( 2.1 , 2.10 ) Following the completion of PREVYMIS prophylaxis, monitoring for CMV reactivation in HSCT recipients is recommended. ( 2.2 ) Dosage Adjustment: If PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine,…

Side effects

Adult HSCT Patients: Most common adverse events (occurring in at least 10% of subjects in the PREVYMIS group and at a frequency at least 2% greater than placebo) are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, peripheral edema, cough, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) Adult Kidney Transplant Patients: Most common adverse event (occurring in at least 10% of subjects in the PREVYMIS group and at a frequency greater than valganciclovir) is diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) Pediatric Patients: Adverse events in pediatric patients are similar to adults. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-877-888-4231 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult CMV-seropositive Recipients [R+] of an Allogeneic HSCT Prophylaxis Through Week 14 (~100 days) Post-HSCT The safety of PREVYMIS was evaluated in a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (P001) in which 565 subjects were randomized and treated with PREVYMIS (N=373) or placebo (N=192) through Week 14 post-HSCT. Adverse events were those reported while subjects were on study medication or…

Warnings

Important safety information

Risk of Adverse Reactions or Reduced Therapeutic Effect Due to Drug Interactions: The concomitant use of PREVYMIS with certain drugs may result in potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to adverse reactions (PREVYMIS or concomitant drugs) or reduced therapeutic effect of PREVYMIS or the concomitant drug. Consult the full prescribing information for contraindications and dosage recommendations for concomitant drugs. ( 4 , 5.1 , 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 ) Risks Associated with Hydroxypropyl Betadex Excipient in Intravenous Formulation: Intravenous formulation of PREVYMIS contains the excipient hydroxypropyl betadex. PREVYMIS injection should be used only in patients unable to take oral therapy. If possible, intravenous administration should not exceed 4 weeks. In patients with renal impairment, accumulation of hydroxypropyl betadex may occur. Animal studies have shown the potential for hydroxypropyl betadex to cause ototoxicity. ( 5.2 , 8.6 , 13.2 ) 5.1 Risk of Adverse Reactions or Reduced Therapeutic Effect Due to Drug Interactions The concomitant use of PREVYMIS and certain drugs may result in potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to adverse reactions (PREVYMIS or concomitant drugs) or reduced therapeutic effect of PREVYMIS or the concomitant drug [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3) ] . See Table 11 for steps to prevent or manage these possible or known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during PREVYMIS therapy; review concomitant medications during PREVYMIS therapy; and monitor for adverse reactions associated with PREVYMIS and concomitant medications. 5.2 Risks Associated with Hydroxypropyl Betadex Excipient in Intravenous Formulation Intravenous formulation of PREVYMIS contains the excipient hydroxypropyl betadex. PREVYMIS injection should be used only in patients unable to take oral therapy and patients should be switched to oral PREVYMIS as soon as they are able to take oral medications. If possible, intravenous administration should not exceed 4 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. In patients with renal impairment, accumulation of hydroxypropyl betadex may occur. In adult patients with CLcr less than 50 mL/min and in pediatric patients with a similar degree of renal impairment (based on age-appropriate assessment of renal function) receiving PREVYMIS injection, closely monitor serum creatinine levels [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Animal studies have shown the potential for hydroxypropyl betadex to cause ototoxicity [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2) ]. The active ingredient, letermovir, is not known to be associated with ototoxicity.

Who should not take Prevymis

PREVYMIS is contraindicated in patients receiving pimozide or ergot alkaloids: Pimozide: Concomitant administration of PREVYMIS in patients receiving pimozide may result in increased concentrations of pimozide due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) by letermovir, which may lead to QT prolongation and torsades de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.2 , 7.3) ] . Ergot alkaloids: Concomitant administration of PREVYMIS in patients receiving ergot alkaloids may result in increased concentrations of ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine) due to inhibition of CYP3A by letermovir, which may lead to ergotism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.2 , 7.3) ] . PREVYMIS is contraindicated with pitavastatin and simvastatin when co-administered with cyclosporine. Concomitant administration of PREVYMIS in combination with cyclosporine may result in significantly increased pitavastatin or simvastatin concentrations, which may lead to myopathy or rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7.2 , 7.3) ] . PREVYMIS is contraindicated with: Pimozide. ( 4 ) Ergot Alkaloids. ( 4 ) Pitavastatin and simvastatin when co-administered with cyclosporine. ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

There is no specific antidote for overdose with PREVYMIS. In case of overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment be instituted. It is unknown whether dialysis will result in meaningful removal of PREVYMIS from systemic circulation.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Dosage Adjustment: If PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine, the dosage of PREVYMIS should be decreased to 240 mg once daily in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. ( 2.4 ) If PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age, dose adjustment may be required. ( 2.6 ) Co-administration of PREVYMIS may alter the plasma concentrations of other drugs and other drugs may alter the plasma concentrations of PREVYMIS. Consult the full prescribing information prior to and during treatment for potential drug interactions. ( 2.4 , 2.6 , 4 , 5.1 , 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 , 7.4 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect PREVYMIS Letermovir is a substrate of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1/3 (OATP1B1/3) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporters and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1/3 (UGT1A1/3) enzymes. Co-administration of PREVYMIS with drugs that are inhibitors of OATP1B1/3 transporters may result in increases in letermovir plasma concentrations (Table 11). Co-administration of PREVYMIS with inducers of transporters (e.g., P-gp) and/or enzymes (e.g., UGTs) is not recommended due to the potential for a decrease in letermovir plasma concentrations (see Table 11 ) . 7.2 Potential for PREVYMIS to Affect Other Drugs Co-administration of PREVYMIS with midazolam results in increased midazolam plasma concentrations, indicating that letermovir is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Co-administration of PREVYMIS with drugs that are CYP3A substrates may result in clinically relevant increases in the plasma concentrations of co-administered CYP3A substrates (Table 11) [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Letermovir is an inhibitor of OATP1B1/3 transporters. Co-administration of PREVYMIS with drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1/3 transporters may result in a clinically relevant increase in plasma concentrations of co-administered OATP1B1/3 substrates (Table 11). The magnitude of CYP3A- and OATP1B1/3-mediated drug interactions on co-administered drugs may be different when PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine. See the prescribing information for cyclosporine for information on drug interactions with cyclosporine. 7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions If dose adjustments of concomitant medications are made due to treatment with PREVYMIS, doses should be readjusted after treatment with PREVYMIS is completed. Table 11 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. The drug interactions described are based on adult studies conducted with PREVYMIS or are predicted drug interactions that may occur with PREVYMIS [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 11: Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alteration in Dose May Be Recommended Based on Results from Adult Drug Interaction Studies or Predicted Interactions This table is not all inclusive. (Information in the Table Applies to Co-administration of PREVYMIS and the Concomitant Drug without Cyclosporine, Unless Otherwise Indicated) Concomitant Drug Class and/or Clearance Pathway: Drug Name Effect on Concentration ↓ =decrease, ↑ =increase Clinical Comments Anti-arrhythmic Agents amiodarone ↑ amiodarone Close clinical monitoring for adverse events related to amiodarone is recommended during co-administration. Frequently monitor amiodarone concentrations when amiodarone is co-administered with PREVYMIS. Antibiotics nafcillin ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and nafcillin is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. Anticoagulants warfarin ↓ warfarin When PREVYMIS is co-administered with warfarin, frequently monitor International Normalized Ratio (INR) Refer to the respective prescribing information. . Anticonvulsants carbamazepine ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and carbamazepine is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. phenobarbital ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and phenobarbital is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. phenytoin ↓ letermovir ↓ phenytoin Co-administration of PREVYMIS and phenytoin is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. Antidiabetic Agents Examples: glyburide, repaglinide, rosiglitazone ↑ glyburide ↑ repaglinide ↑ rosiglitazone When PREVYMIS is co-administered with glyburide, repaglinide, or rosiglitazone, frequently monitor glucose concentrations . When PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine, use of repaglinide is not recommended. Antifungals voriconazole These interactions have been studied [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . ↓ voriconazole If concomitant administration of voriconazole is necessary, closely monitor for reduced effectiveness of voriconazole . Antimycobacterials rifabutin ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and rifabutin is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. rifampin ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and rifampin is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. Antipsychotics pimozide ↑ pimozide Co-administration is contraindicated due to risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes [see Contraindications (4) ] . thioridazine ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and thioridazine is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. Endothelin Antagonists bosentan ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and bosentan is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. Ergot Alkaloids ergotamine, dihydroergotamine ↑ ergotamine, dihydroergotamine Co-administration is contraindicated due to risk of ergotism [see Contraindications (4) ] . Herbal Products St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and St. John's wort is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. HIV Medications efavirenz ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and efavirenz is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. etravirine ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and etravirine is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. nevirapine ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and nevirapine is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors atorvastatin ↑ atorvastatin When PREVYMIS is co-administered with atorvastatin, do not exceed an atorvastatin dosage of 20 mg daily . Closely monitor patients for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. When PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine, use of atorvastatin is not recommended. pitavastatin, simvastatin ↑ HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors Co-administration of PREVYMIS and pitavastatin or simvastatin is not recommended. When PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine, use of either pitavastatin or simvastatin is contraindicated due to significantly increased pitavastatin or simvastatin concentrations and risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis [see Contraindications (4) ] . fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin ↑ HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors When PREVYMIS is co-administered with these statins, a statin dosage reduction may be necessary . Closely monitor patients for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. When PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine, use of lovastatin is not recommended. When PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine, refer to the statin prescribing information for specific statin dosing recommendations. Immunosuppressants cyclosporine ↑ cyclosporine ↑ letermovir Decrease the dosage of PREVYMIS to 240 mg once daily in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Dose adjustment may be required in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Frequently monitor cyclosporine whole blood concentrations during treatment and after discontinuation of PREVYMIS and adjust the dose of cyclosporine accordingly . sirolimus ↑ sirolimus When PREVYMIS is co-administered with sirolimus, frequently monitor sirolimus whole blood concentrations during treatment and after discontinuation of PREVYMIS and adjust the dose of sirolimus accordingly . When PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine and sirolimus, refer to the sirolimus prescribing information for specific sirolimus dosing recommendations . tacrolimus ↑ tacrolimus Frequently monitor tacrolimus whole blood concentrations during treatment and after discontinuation of PREVYMIS and adjust the dose of tacrolimus accordingly . Proton Pump Inhibitors omeprazole ↓ omeprazole Clinical monitoring and dose adjustment may be needed. pantoprazole ↓ pantoprazole Clinical monitoring and dose adjustment may be needed. Wakefulness-Promoting Agents modafinil ↓ letermovir Co-administration of PREVYMIS and modafinil is not recommended due to potential for loss of efficacy of PREVYMIS. CYP3A Substrates Examples: alfentanil, fentanyl, midazolam, and quinidine ↑ CYP3A substrate When PREVYMIS is co-administered with a CYP3A substrate, refer to the prescribing information for dosing of the CYP3A substrate with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor . When PREVYMIS is co-administered with cyclosporine, the combined effect on CYP3A substrates may be similar to a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Refer to the prescribing information for dosing of the CYP3A substrate with a strong CYP3A inhibitor . CYP3A substrates pimozide and ergot alkaloids are contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . 7.4 Drugs without Clinically Significant Interactions with PREVYMIS No clinically significant interactions were observed in adult clinical drug-drug interaction studies of letermovir and acyclovir, digoxin, mycophenolate mofetil, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, ethinyl estradiol, and levonorgestrel.

Storing Prevymis, and how long it keeps

Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.

  • Store PREVYMIS tablets in the original package until use to protect from moisture.
  • Store PREVYMIS tablets at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
  • Store PREVYMIS oral pellets in the original packet until use.
  • Store PREVYMIS oral pellets at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
  • Store PREVYMIS injection vials at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Drug class

Dosage forms

Injectable, Oral pellets and Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

How is Prevymis rated?
pharmaranks gives Prevymis a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
Is there a coupon or discount for Prevymis?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Prevymis. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Prevymis?
Prevymis is marketed by Merck Sharp Dohme. You can see Merck Sharp Dohme's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Prevymis a brand-name or generic drug?
Prevymis is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Letermovir.
Is Prevymis available over the counter?
No. Prevymis is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Prevymis come in?
Prevymis is currently marketed as injectable, oral pellets and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Prevymis?
Prevymis is classified as cytomegalovirus dna terminase complex inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Prevymis FDA-registered?
Prevymis is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA209939. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Prevymis been recalled by the FDA?
Prevymis has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Prevymis safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Prevymis a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Prevymis?
Prevymis's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Adult HSCT Patients: Most common adverse events (occurring in at least 10% of subjects in the PREVYMIS group and at a frequency at least 2% greater than placebo) are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, peripheral edema, cough, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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