Flulaval Quadravalent 2013-2014 Season and Letermovir oral/injection

• Generic Name: influenza virus vaccine, inactivated
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Afluria, Agriflu, Fluad 2019-2020, Fluarix, Flublok Quadrivalent 2019-2020, Flucelvax, FluLaval, Fluogen, Flushield, Fluvirin, Fluzone, Flucelvax, Fluzone Intradermal Quadrivalent, Fluzone Quadrivalent, Flublok, Flublok Quadrivalent

Influenza virus vaccine is used to prevent infection by the influenza viruses. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. It is also known as a “flu shot”.

There are many kinds of influenza viruses, but not all will cause problems in any given year. Therefore, before the influenza vaccine is produced each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. and Canadian Public Health Services decide which viruses will most likely cause influenza infections for that year. The antigens, which are substances that cause protective antibodies to be formed, for these viruses are included in the influenza vaccine. Usually, the U.S. and Canada use the same influenza vaccine, however, they are not required to do so.

It is necessary to receive an influenza vaccine injection each year, since influenza infections are usually caused by different kinds of viruses and the protection gained by the vaccine lasts for less than a year.

Influenza is a virus infection of the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. It causes fever, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches, and pains in your back, arms, and legs. In addition, adults and children weakened by other diseases or medical conditions, and persons 50 years of age and older, even if they are healthy, may get a much more serious illness that may have to be treated in a hospital. Each year, thousands of people die as a result of an influenza infection.

The best way to help prevent influenza infections is to get an influenza vaccination each year, usually in early November. Immunization (getting a vaccine) against influenza is approved for infants 6 months of age and older, all children, and all adults (including 65 years of age and older).

This vaccine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.

• Generic Name: letermovir
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Prevymis

Letermovir is an antiviral medicine used to help prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant from a donor. Letermovir is for use in adults who are seropositive for CMV. Seropositive means that the virus is in your blood even if you do not show any symptoms of infection.

A CMV-seropositive person is at risk for "reactivation" of the virus if the immune system becomes weak. While normally treatable, CMV infection can be serious in people undergoing a stem cell transplant.

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