Products
Tecovirimat was approved in the United States in 2018 in capsule form (Tpoxx). The agent was developed with government support in view of the potential bioterrorist or warfare threat. The drug is stored in the US CDC Strategic National Stockpile.
Effects
Tecovirimat has antiviral properties. The effects are due to binding to the protein p37, which is involved in the formation of the viral envelope and the release of viruses from infected cells. The drug has been tested on sick animals and healthy humans, but not on sick humans. This is because smallpox has not occurred since the late 1970s, and clinical trials involving smallpox are unthinkable. Tecovirimat is also effective against other orthopoxviruses.
Indications
For the treatment of smallpox virus infection.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Capsules are taken twice daily with a meal and for 14 days.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Tecovirimate is not a substrate of CYP450 isozymes.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.
