Drug interactions
Letermovir + Lovastatin
Severity: Major
Letermovir and Lovastatin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Letermovir inhibits CYP3A4 and OATP1B1/3 and can increase statin concentrations, raising the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. When letermovir is given with cyclosporine the effect is greater.
What this interaction means in plain words
Letermovir and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Letermovir belongs to Anti Virals; Lovastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Letermovir inhibits CYP3A4 and hepatic OATP1B1/3 uptake, increasing lovastatin exposure.
What to do
Reduce the lovastatin dose and monitor closely for myopathy, or switch to an alternative statin; do not use lovastatin if letermovir is combined with cyclosporine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Lovastatin
- Atazanavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Lovastatin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Lovastatin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Letermovir
- Ergotamine + Letermovir Contraindicated
- Letermovir + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Letermovir Major
- Atorvastatin + Letermovir Major
- Carbamazepine + Letermovir Major
- Colchicine + Letermovir Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Letermovir with Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Letermovir and Lovastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Letermovir inhibits CYP3A4 and OATP1B1/3 and can increase statin concentrations, raising the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. When letermovir is given with cyclosporine the effect is greater.
How serious is the interaction between Letermovir and Lovastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the lovastatin dose and monitor closely for myopathy, or switch to an alternative statin; do not use lovastatin if letermovir is combined with cyclosporine.
What other medicines interact with Lovastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lovastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Lovastatin page.
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