What is letermovir used for?

Letermovir (Prevymis) is used for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in CMV-seropositive adult recipients of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Unlike ganciclovir, it does not cause myelosuppression.

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How to Pronounce Letermovir (Prevymis)

le-TER-moe-vir

IPA: /lɛ.ˈtɜːr.moʊ.vɪr/

Brand name: Prevymis

le TER moe vir

How do you pronounce Letermovir?

Letermovir is pronounced “le-TER-moe-vir”. It has 4 syllables: le – ter – moe – vir. The stress falls on the second syllable, “TER”.

How many syllables are in Letermovir?

Letermovir has 4 syllables: le – ter – moe – vir.

What does Letermovir mean?

Letermovir is a novel antiviral with a unique mechanism: it inhibits the CMV DNA terminase complex (pUL56/pUL89/pUL51), which is required for cleavage and packaging of viral DNA into capsids. This mechanism is entirely distinct from ganciclovir and foscarnet, so there is no cross-resistance. It does not cause myelosuppression, making it valuable in immunocompromised transplant patients where bone marrow toxicity is a critical concern. Approved for prophylaxis in allogeneic HSCT recipients from day of transplant through day 100.

Word Parts

leter- unique drug identifier

-movir antiviral suffix (variant of -vir)

Common Mispronunciations

Often said “LET-er-mo-vir” (stress on first syllable) — correct stress is on the second syllable: le-TER-moe-vir.

Where You’ll Encounter This

Letermovir is used in bone marrow transplant units and hematology/oncology settings for post-HSCT CMV prophylaxis. It is available as oral tablets and IV formulation (480 mg once daily; reduced to 240 mg if co-administered with cyclosporine due to drug interaction). A key advantage over ganciclovir is lack of myelotoxicity.