maribavir

Pronunciation: ma RYE ba vir

Brand: Livtencity

What is the most important information I should know about maribavir?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is maribavir?

Maribavir is an antiviral medicine used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in people 12 years and older weighing at least 77 lbs (35 kg) who have received an organ transplant.

This medicine is used when an infection or disease does not respond to treatment with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir or foscarnet.

Maribavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking maribavir?

Tell your doctor if you have:

  • end-stage kidney disease (including if you are on dialysis); or
  • severe liver disease.

Some drugs should not be used with maribavir. Your treatment plan may change if you also use: carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take maribavir?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take maribavir 2 times a day with or without food.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your virus resistant to medication.

Your blood may need to be tested often.

Maribavir is not a cure for CMV. Every person with CMV should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking maribavir?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of maribavir?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
  • kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • vomiting, nausea, diarrhea;
  • tiredness; or
  • changes in your sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect maribavir?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • phenobarbital or other barbiturate medicine;
  • St. John's wort;
  • an antibiotic --rifabutin, rifampin; or
  • seizure medicine --carbamazepine, phenytoin.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect maribavir. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about maribavir.

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